December 24, 1914 on the front lines of the British-French and German trenches, peace and goodwill broke out.
It is a happening which was considered insignificant in light of millions of subsequent deaths. Today it has become a symbol for what happens when humans recognize the humanity of even their enemies. It is a story that needs to be told 365 days a year.
Here are three retellings of the event followed by an historical account.
- As told in a Sainsbury commercial in 2014. After this “commercial” finishes, there is a trailer about the film’s production. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWF2JBb1bvM&t=11s)
2. A Christmas Eve 2025 sermon at Memorial Church Harvard Universiverty tells details of this unique pause. The sermon starts at minute 35:35. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF84gdah0C4&t=33s)
3, The event as told in a folk song written by John McCutcheon, Christmas in the Trenches, November 2008: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJi41RWaTCs&t=41s)
The Day the Gods Were On Duty
The account from the World War Military History site includes quotes from the soldiers who were present. The story opens with scenes from the Sainsbury commercial, but later includes actual interviews with soldiers who witnessed the truce and newspaper accounts from that time.
” It’s hard to believe in dreams until it happens to us.” (from the sermon)