It was Christmas eve during World War II. Some of our Soldiers were huddled together in a foxhole deep each in his own thoughts. They were thinking of moms and dads celebrating Christmas just the way they had when they were little boys. Snow covered the ground where they sat and the moon cast shadows making the snow glisten like it did at home.

Suddenly the silence was broken as one of the men began to hum Silent Night. Soon all the men were singing together: Silent Night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant so tender and mild. Sleep in Heavenly peace, sleep in Heavenly peace.

As they were ending the first verse, they were surprised to hear what soured like an echo to their singing. But the echo sang the first verse in German: Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht. The German soldiers were singing that Christmas Carol from their own foxhole across the way! They ended the last verse of the song together, the Americans singing in English and the Germans singing in German. Silent Night, Holy Night, Son of God, love’s pure light. Radiant beams from Thy Holy face with the dews of redeeming grace. Jesus Lord at thy birth, Jesus Lord at they birth.

We would have a far different world if we all could gather around the Holy Baby’s manger bed and sing together Silent Night wouldn’t we? Doesn’t it make you wish you were there listening to those American and German Soldiers locked in war, yet singing Silent Night as one? The snowy fields and the same moon were shining on both of them.

I wish all of you the peace of Christmas and a very rewarding 2014. We don’t know what the new Year will be like but if we have the peace of God on our hearts we’ll be okay no matter what happens in 2014.

I was reading the upcoming events in our church bulletin the other day and several items caught my eye.  Here are the events I can go to: An angel tree party, Christmas caroling, A Ladies lunch party, a family Christmas potluck and our regular Bible study, services and prayer meetings. That pretty much covets it. Then. for me, there is a three hour practice every Monday and a concert in a retirement center or nursing home every Thursday. I also have two grandchildren who have concerts in school. Of course Grandma will go to these. And I also have married children and grown grandchildren which I want to spend some time with.

What do i do about this? I must learn to say NO to some of those things. But how do I prioritize? These things are all important aren’t they? Besides, I do want to see the Christmas boats as they parade up and down the Columbia River. Of course there is the shopping, baking and wrapping gifts on my list as well.Oh dear, I’m sure Jesus doesn’t want all of us to be stressed out on his birthday.

In fact, Jesus just decided when he had enough and headed to a place in the mountains to pray to his Father. And he did that a lot too. Just read one of the Gospels in your Bible and you will find out. He knew when to say no even when he knew that many people wanted and even needed them.

I am sure your schedule is somewhat the same as mine.  Just think about whose birthday you are about to celebrate and decide to spend a stress free holiday season this year. Go to the things that really matter to you so you can save time for Jesus on his birthday. This is my Christmas wish for all of you. I only hope I can say NO to some of those things I mentioned. Today I have a Doctor’s appointment.  Isn’t it surprising that some daily things still have to be done?