The topic I’m going to reflect today is a truly remarkable moment in history: The Truce of 1914.

In the midst of the brutal and unforgiving notorious “No Man’s Land” of World War I. A spark of humanity’s miracle appeared. On one fateful miserable cold December’s eve 1914 as every soldiers in trenches woke up to ugly reality that the war will likely would not going to end before Christmas like what they used to believed back home months ago. That night, Scots Guards on British trenches heard from across the No Man’s Land, the German soldiers in the opposite trenches singing in German, “Stille nacht, heilige nacht” then replied by troops in the British lines with “Silent night, holy night.” The cold Christmas Eve night was all of sudden filled with chorals of men exchanging Christmas carols in attempt to out do each other and the usual cacophony sounds of artilleries was replaced with men exchanging greetings across the opposing front lines. The next morning, the soldiers risking their life to get shot by the enemies climbed out of their trenches from both sides to greet the enemies to playing football together with their opponent on No Man’s Land, they shared stories, showed photograph of their families and exchanging gifts or foods. At the end of that Christmas Day, the high commands from both sides called off the truce. The soldiers returns to their battle lines with pockets filled with gifts and heart filled with unspoken joy. For a short precious time, the horror of war was absence for a while. This spontaneous and heartfelt truce illuminated every human heart even in the darkest of times of the World War I.

Message of Peace

In the spirit of the 1914 Truce, let us remember that the essence of this season is about more than just celebration. It’s about unity, compassion, and the triumph of goodwill over hostility. For those who celebrate Christmas, it is also a time to remember the profound message that God became man as a helpless baby, bringing hope, love, and peace to the world. This is what God did for bring peace to humanity, extending His friendship by climbed up the trenches, letting Himself be vulnerable against hostility of humanity’s fallen nature or sin by becoming a humble mortal man. Let us lay down the arms of hostility and extend a hand of friendship and love to all. May this heartwarming tale inspire us to rise above our differences, and embrace the spirit of peace and understanding.

Warmest greetings,

Jeremy Andrian

Paint pigments are the colorful substances behind every masterpiece, and their history is as rich as their hues. Here are seven intriguing facts about pigments:

1. Ancient Ochre: The oldest pigment, ochre, was used over 40,000 years ago by cave painters to create earthy reds and yellows.
2. Ultramarine’s Worth: Made from lapis lazuli, ultramarine was once more valuable than gold, reserved for sacred art like Virgin Mary’s robes.
3. Grim Origins: Mummy brown, used in the 16th–19th centuries, was made by grinding Egyptian mummies into pigment.
4. Toxic Whites: Lead white was prized for its brilliance but poisoned many artists before safer alternatives emerged.
5. Happy Accidents: Prussian blue, a popular synthetic pigment, was discovered by mistake in the 18th century while trying to make red dye.
6. Darkest Black: Vantablack, absorbing 99.965% of visible light, is the world’s darkest material, sparking debates in art.
7. Natural Colors: Cochineal red comes from crushed insects, while indigo is plant-derived, showcasing nature’s artistry.

From ancient caves to modern labs, pigments have shaped art and culture, revealing fascinating stories with every shade.