Peace and Goodwill for a World of Pain and Strife

Yes, we are ready for a little lot more peace and goodwill in this world we have filled lately with too much pain and strife. Thousands of children dying in a war of retribution, famine, gun violence, mistrust, and animosity. It is all simply too much to bear at times.

But we have options.

“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.”

With those words, Carlos Santana hits the mark.

Beyond Reach?

If we consider the state of the world, it is tempting to think that peace is not within reach. Or at least it is beyond us to bring it to life. Carolyn Byars gives voice to this, writing:

“‘Isn’t maintaining peace the responsibility of our government leaders, police officers, and military forces?’ Let me make it very clear, the world system is not capable of establishing and maintaining peace. War and conflict have been happening somewhere in the world constantly since the beginning of time.”

Speaking from the precarious perspective of a Palestinian Christian in Bethlehem who feels alone and broken, Daniel Darling tells us:

“The real audacity of Christmas is that it compels you to find joy even amid brokenness and sorrow. This is, in fact, what you find in the real story told in the Gospel narratives believed by Christians. Jesus came from heaven – not to the snow-covered dreamscapes of our favorite holiday movies, but to a world as besieged and broken as the one our headlines chronicle.

“The Christmas story doesn’t ask us to put away our sorrow, to bury our grief, to ignore the evil and despair outside our windows. Rather it invites us to bring those to one whom we are told has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.

“Christmas beckons us to hope, not in our political solutions or ability to endure, but in another, better world to come.

“It’s not fake happiness or a plastic smile nor is it naivete about the presence of evil. It’s the beautiful reality of God with us. Even in our despair.”

What Is in Our Heart?

Peace and goodwill can only come to life if we bear them in our heart. If we look upon our family, friends, strangers, and enemies as we would hope they look upon us. With compassion and love.

We wish you a Merry Christmas.

A Christmas Carol, painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti / WikiArt

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December 25, 2023