I heard it on the radio yesterday.

 

It never really seems like Christmastime until I hear "Merry Christmas mein friend".

I have wondered if the Christmas Truce of 1914 was the inspiration for the song? I truthfully doubt it from the looks of the Guardsmen back in the day(i.e. old album covers). Still, it is a great story of "peace on Earth" even if it was short lived.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men". Luke 2:14