Stop the Calvary, Jona Lewie

“Ta nea…”

This was my mum’s lament when the first Gulf War begun. 

It literally means, “The new”. Generally speaking, “The young…” She sighed for the young as they flew to war. And from someone who was young during WWII, I figured she knew what she was talking about. 

It’s tempting to think our age is more violent than others. But the world has always been at war with itself. And that’s why Jona's question is an eternal one...

Who can stop the calvary?

Somehow, for one brief moment, Christmas did.

In 1914, two sides stopped fighting, buried their dead, tended to the wounded and wished each other a Merry Christmas. To cap it off they played a game of football. This became known as "The Christmas Truce".

So whilst Lewie’s song on the surface seems a novelty, it takes me to this astonishing moment in history. His question finds an answer.

That is, until the next day, when the war presses on. And a 100 years later the world still argues with itself. 

So, this Christmas, don't just wish for peace on earth. Be a peacemaker. At home, work, in your neighbourhood. Seek a truce where there is trouble.

And don't forget those who are serving because there's one thing on their mind...

Wish I was at home for Christmas

Say a prayer for them. For the sake of “Ta nea”.