Joy for All People

In his book about World War II, Stanley Weintraub described activities in the German military hospital at Attorndorn (near Dusseldorf) on Christmas Eve 1944. Weintraub describes how American soldiers were in a POW ward on the second floor. Many of them were wounded.

When darkness fell, these prisoners heard festivities elsewhere in the hospital. At first, the sounds made them homesick. But their mood changed when, to their surprise, a nurse walked into their ward and invited them to join in the celebration.

When they joined their German captors, they were asked to sing “Silent Night” in English. The Germans answered by singing “Stille Nacht” in the original German. Then, “together they sang ‘O Tannenbaum,’ and mingled other carols in German and English.” One soldier recalled how “the war seemed to have vanished if only for a moment.”

The story of Jesus’ birth has the power to soften even the most hardened heart. It can unite enemies and remind us of Someone more important than all the military and economic power of this world and all its rewards and pleasures.

Josef Mohr, composer of “Silent Night,” concluded his simple chorus with these words: “With the angels let us sing, alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born!” Today, pause to think about the Savior whom we celebrate! He is the King. King of all nations and races. Sing alleluia to your King!