On Christmas Eve 1914, amidst the grim battlefields of World War I, a remarkable event unfolded as soldiers along a 500-mile front laid down their arms and ventured into No Man’s Land. They met their enemies not with weapons, but with curiosity and goodwill, creating a spontaneous and heartfelt ceasefire.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of this extraordinary moment of peace. To honor this occasion, a non-sectarian commemoration and reflection on peace will be held on December 23rd at the Highland Park Community of Christ church, located at 8611 11th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106. Doors open at 6 PM, with the program running from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.

The Christmas Truce event will bring the story of the 1914 truce to life through narrative, pictures, drama, and song. The evening will also explore the ongoing significance of peace in today’s world. Representatives from various faith traditions, along with a non-religious speaker, will share their reflections and prayers for peace. The event will feature a Readers Theater, presenting actual letters from soldiers who experienced that extraordinary night. Additionally, there will be historical retrospectives and modern reflections on the events of Christmas Eve 1914.

World War I, being the first global conflict, drew people from diverse backgrounds, races, languages, cultures, religions, and traditions. In our interconnected world shaped by globalism, the impulse for peace that interrupts the inertia of war remains vital. At a time of year when darkness prevails, join neighbors of all kinds to celebrate the hope of more light.