by John Chase

On December 24, 1914, the first Christmas Eve of World War I, a spontaneous cease-fire broke out along the front that divided Europe. Miles of trenches sliced through Belgium and France where professed Christians were brutalizing one another along a no-man’s-land of corpses and mud. Silence fell over the field of battle, and was soon broken by the sound of Stille Nacht (Silent Night). Soldiers from both sides emerged from their trenches for this makeshift truce and to celebrate the Christ child’s birth. Perhaps no chaplain offered a formal Lord’s Supper, but prayers were shared, and soldiers did spread a kind of table, exchanging chocolates, cigarettes, rations and friendly games of soccer. A few days later the killing resumed.

In 2009 peace continued to elude us. At least 41 wars were fought around the globe. Our own country engaged in two of them. At home, many found themselves out of work, facing foreclosures or unexpected medical bills, and wondering how to put food on the table. Marriages struggled to stay afloat, and this holiday season, entire families will be pushed to their scrappy edges by the demands of relatives and friends, parties, shopping and travel.

In the midst of our struggle to find peace, this time of year we find ourselves singing our anticipation of the coming Messiah, and reading Scripture that testifies to the peace that he will bring to the world and to our lives.

Advent begins with such a reading from Isaiah 2. “He shall judge between the nations…they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

On Christmas Eve we celebrate the fulfilled prophecy spoken of in Isaiah 9. “For a child has been born for us, a son given; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

In light of all this talk about peace, one of the most important things we will do in our worship is share a meal at the Lord’s Supper. In it we celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In it we are reminded that instead of threatening others’ lives, Jesus offered up his very own, for us and for our salvation. It is a table of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace.

Perhaps for you , though, this month is anything but peaceful. You wish you could enjoy it more, but the stress of planning, hosting, grieving or serving tends to push you to the end of your rope, the end of your patience and good cheer. Maybe by the time you get to the Table you don’t even feel worthy to receive. You’re not alone. The good news is that the only way to come worthily is to look around the table and recognize that all who dine with you are also unworthy. This is the Lord’s Table, open to outcasts and sinners, to those who snap at their children, neglect their spouse, forget to remove the price tag, and overcook the turkey.

Jesus’ last meal with his disciples was simply that, a common meal, much like those many of you will share in your homes this month. When you gather together, break bread, pour cold drinks and hot soup, let these words echo in your mind as you serve one another: “The body of Christ was broken for you. The blood of Christ was poured out for the forgiveness of your sins.”

May God grant you the courage this Christmas to emerge from your trenches, carrying with you the weapons of forgiveness, love and peace. Share them with your family, your friends, and yes, even your enemies.

John Chase is a Bethany elder, painter and candidate for ministry in the PC(USA).