The Great War (First World War) of 1914-1918 saw a new
world order of violence that spawned the hallmarks of Twentieth Century
conflict - machine guns, tanks, air raids; and gas.
The Great War transformed the common soldier into a
unit of sacrifice, to be processed and exterminated on an industrial scale.
The war machine was born, a machine that ran on men.
In the course of four years, it would get through 20 million soldiers of all
nationalities.
Today on Far Future Horizons we focus our attention on one
miraculous day when the war machine faltered. A day when men who were meant to
operate as killing machines stopped. A day when they put down their guns, shook
hands, exchanged gifts and discovered they had more in common with each other
than with their leaders, kings or governments. Enemies became friends, and for
a brief time the world was at peace. It was Christmas Day, 1914.
Christmas Day 2016 marks the hundred and second anniversary of that truce.
We would like to wish all our dear
readers a blessed and joyous holiday season and for the coming New Year we
would like to bestow upon all of you this heartfelt wish:
As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks
for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends.
Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains,
for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us live each day in the most
loving ways, the God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need,
regardless of race, colour or creed.
Let us keep God of our own understanding in our hearts
and to chant God’s name each day. Let us lead the world from darkness to light,
from falsehood to truth and from wrong to right.
Let us remember that we are all one, embracing all,
discriminating against none.
May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and
love. May God's blessings shower upon you and bestow upon each of you a bright,
healthy and peaceful new year.
