Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25th, in the year of our Lord 2018
By Kevin Swanson
The German-Allies Christmas Truce of 1914
On this day in history, the Christmas Truce took place between the Germans and the Allies in World War I.
On December 25, 1914, Captain Robert Hamilton, a lieutenant with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, made this entry into his diary: “A day unique in the world’s history. I met the [German] officer and we arranged a local armistice for 48 hours. As far as I can gather, this effort of ours extended itself throughout the whole line. Soldiers on both sides met [by the] hundreds and exchanged greetings and gifts.”
It all started when the Germans heard the Allied troops singing Christmas Carols on the other side of the line. A German Lieutenant, Johannes Niemann, reported that “We started trading everything we had: tobacco, chocolate, schnapps, ribbons. At one point, a Scottish bloke came outside with a football. It was the start of a real football match, with caps as goals.”
The temporary truce took place at Ploegsteert Wood on the Western Front, near Flanders.
Persecution of Christians Spikes at Christmas Across the Globe
Isaiah 9:6-7 declares, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.”
As you celebrate the advent of our mighty Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, will you remember our brothers and sisters in other countries where they have to often celebrate in secret?
William Stark of International Christian Concern said that Christmas celebration in countries where Christians are persecuted is a reminder of the core Christmas message.
“Caroling, presents, trees. All this stuff, great traditions. But they’re not the center. They’re not the actual meaning of Christmas. Jesus came, and He was born, and thus began the story, and ultimately it ended on the cross in our salvation. And persecution has a way of uncluttering our faith.”
May all your gifts, food, decorations, songs, and family time be centered in Jesus Christ and for His glory!
90,000 Indonesian Police Protect 50,000 Churches at Christmas
UCA News reports that the Indonesian government is deploying 90,000 police officers and soldiers to protect some 50,000 Catholic and Christian churches across Indonesia during the Christmas holidays.
This includes the main islands of Java, Sumatra, as well as Bali, North Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua.
Suicide bombers attacked a Catholic church in East Java on May 13th of the year, killing 18 congregants.
Downward Global Economic Trend
China’s Fourth Quarter Business Confidence Index has sunk to its lowest position in 20 months. The American dollar is also registering a lower value against six major currencies including the Euro and the Japanese Yen.
And the Washington Post notes that Google searches on the word “recession” is the highest since 2009.
Japanese Population Hitting New Low
CNN projects that the Japanese population will drop from 128,000,000 to 50,000,000 by the year 2100 at present birth rates. The nation had 921,000 births this year, the lowest number of births since 1899.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage of the Lord. The fruit of the womb is His reward.”
Only 25% of Government Shutdown
The government shutdown now in effect has only impacted 25% of the federal departments.
At issue is a budget deal that includes $5.7 billion for border security to build more of the wall, which the Democrats oppose at the moment.
Generation Z: Double the Atheists over Previous Generation
Reuters reports that Generation Z – 13 to 23-year-olds — has doubled its percentage of atheists over the previous generation.
And Protestants and Catholics are losing adherents faster than all other religions.
Drop in Stock Market
Blue chips dipped below 22,000 yesterday on the American Stock Market. That represents a 15% drop since the beginning of the year.
The DOW has taken a 7.8% drop in December, the worst December performance since the Great Depression. Yesterday’s mini-crash dropped the Dow over 600 points to 21,800.
Isaiah 26:3-5 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever. . . For He brings down those who dwell on high, the lofty city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He brings it down to the dust.”
Close
And that’s The World View in 5 Minutes on this Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25th in the year of our Lord 2018. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldView.com. I’m Adam McManus. Seize the day for Jesus Christ.