Christmas means many things to many people. For some, it is a wonderful period where a fleeting touch of nostalgia brings joy. For others, a deep sadness.
Many will celebrate in their churches or with like-minded people, for it is together we wish to be on this holiest day.
Each person has their own perception of the perfect Christmas that they keep alive within each of their heart.
It was in the Second Congregational Church on Christmas Eve in 1917 that the Rev. Charles Wing stood in front of his parishioners and preached a most inspiring sermon. The church was decorated for the season and the songs were sung by 150 people in unison. A tree was decorated and the people of Concord placed colorful paper-wrapped gifts beneath this tree for the less fortunate children in Concord that would otherwise not have a gift to open Christmas morning.
Concord physician Doctor Metcalf spoke of his time in England and France helping with the Great War hospitals during this highly attended service. He spoke of much tragedy, for everyone in attendance feared the horrors of war.
Many of the younger men and women left the church after the service and traveled to White Park for a bonfire, hot chocolate and some ice skating. The brisk evening was just beautiful and the young enjoyed this time – it was their time.
Though sacrifices were being made, there was much joy in Concord this Christmas for it was indeed the season of peace on Earth and goodwill to all mankind.
As the young filtered away from the warmth of the bonfire with hot chocolate in mugs they walked and sang Christmas carols along the streets, down White Street to Washington Street, and then off to Main Street to ride the Phenix Stable sleigh about town. They sang and they rejoiced, making memories as each step was taken. Caroling from door to door as community members gazed out of their frost-covered windows at the young singing and rejoicing as they sang Silent Night, Holy Night.
The young men and women did not think of the shortages the war had brought to Concord. Bread, sugar and fuel were scarce while Christmas cooking ingredients were very hard to find. With a deep desire to hold on to the old Christmas traditions, their parents simply improvised and made what they could. The gifts were simple but useful, there were many charitable acts for those in need.
The one void that was so very difficult to fill was the absence of loved ones, for it was a way of life during the war, but especially hard to celebrate without them on Christmas.
During Christmas in 1917, the children of Concord often desired military-themed toys, soldiers and uniforms. Our local fire department kept busy making wooden toys for the children in need and made sure to deliver them aboard their brightly lit fire truck.
With our loved ones away serving on the front, many thought back a few years to the Christmas truce of 1914. Could it happen again this year for our soldiers? It was a miracle itself when the unofficial cease-fire occurred on the western front that Christmas in 1914. Silent Night was sung gently at first by a lone soldier and then more joined. The enemy soldiers joined in too, they left the trenches to meet the enemy soldiers, played games and exchanged gifts.
The many mothers and fathers around Concord prayed for that because they wanted a Christmas truce for their sons and daughters this year too.
Merry Christmas to you!