This Is A Repost From Last Year (with revisions)
You may have heard the story before but let me tell it once again. On the muddy fields of Flanders on 24-25 December 1914 a spontaneous truce broke out. Despite having fought a battle only hours before the soldiers from both sides of No Man's Land felt the Call of the Christmas Spirit, Peace on Earth. And for a few precious hours they had it.
The stories have different versions of what occurred but the part that strikes me most is the singing of the Carols. The story goes that the British heard a familiar tune coming from a cross the way and although the tune was being sung in German the Tommys new it too and sang it with them.
One of the things we have to be grateful for this year is there is one less place our military is in combat. It's one down and one to go. Let's all continue to work for one of the lesson's we're supposed to take from the Christmas Theme. Peace On Earth, Good Will To All Men.
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
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
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
I can only imagine the emotion of the moment, but it had to be a transcendent moment. Even though they had been engaged in battle just a short while before they all had one thing in common and that's what all men in war have in common even with those they are engaged in battle with, and that's that they are all Brothers In Arms.
I have never served in the military, nor have I had a shot fired at me in anger, but on this day we have thousands in harms way, far from home. And for those who love them and miss them, let our hearts reach out. No matter what kind of year you may have had, it's still better than the one those serving in combat have had.
So if you're looking for that one last gift to give, make a donation to Netroots For The Troops, Inc. and help us put just a little joy, if only for a moment, in the heart of one serving in harm's way.
Netroots for the Troops is a DK tradition. We raise funds each year to create and send care packages to our troops. There's something magical about receiving a care package. Your donation will help us create and ship packages full of useful and fun things to our soldiers overseas. Boxes will be packaged next summer at Netroots Nation. Donate Here.
On with the games!!
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MKinTN posted a diary to help everyone achieve greater success called How to Succeed at Mojo Friday Without Really Trying.
For those of you new to MF (Mojo Friday) we have our own lingo about a few things. Thank's to MF'er Jez (the link will explain) go to this diary for a little more fun and explanation. Official Mojo Friday Snecktionary.