Peace IS possible. In this day and age, it might be far-fetched to believe this statement. Tonight, watching the news I witnessed wars, unrest, contention, and violence. As I was watching it, my mind reflected on the famous Christmas poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth, I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Yes, hate is strong and seems to mock the notion of place on earth, goodwill to men. One can call and dwell on that and guess what? We become a part of that notion. Guilty by association. I, for one refuse to live that life. Yes, violence and contention will continue, but I don't have to be a part of it! So, how can we be an instrument for peace?

Peace begins one person at a time. We can be the catalyst for change by deciding here and now to #ShareGoodness. We can reject all that is negative and look for the positive things that life has to offer. We can choose to share uplifting things to share with each other on social media. We can see the goodness in each other and help to accentuate the positive. We can be of the world, and not in it. 

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

By Jill Jackson and Syd Miller

Peace is more than lip service. It is becoming an active participant in this movement. Nothing I mention is new, but it is an ever reminder that all of us can strive toward. The Savior lovingly mentioned such a reminder to those assembled and stands the test of time for all of us, "...blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." - Matt. 5:9. If we look to the life of our Savior as our guide, we can see that service to fellow men was a focal point in His life. 

Christ came into this world in a world of turmoil and strife. It was a time that people had to travel to their birth lands to declare themselves and be taxed. The cities were bustling with travellers. We can liken in to our day and age with our "tax day". There's lots of nervousness, panic and even those that protest the process. Mary and her Husband were just being obedient to the laws of the land - something we can all I earn from. To complicate matters, Mary was in her final trimester. So, the journey was arduous to say the least. And while there, " the days were accomplished that she [Mary] should deliver. With no available space, her labor was to take place in a cattle stall.

Through all the busyness of what was going on, her birth was filled with peace and calm

  1. Silent night! Holy night!
    All is calm, all is bright
    Round yon virgin mother and Child.
    Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
    Sleep in heavenly peace;
    Sleep in heavenly peace.
  2. Silent night! Holy night!
    Shepherds quake at the sight!
    Glories stream from heaven afar;
    Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia!
    Christ, the Savior, is born!
    Christ, the Savior, is born!

    Silent night! Holy night!
    Son of God, love's pure light
    Radiant beams from thy holy face,
    With the dawn of redeeming grace,
    Jesus, Lord, at thy birth;
    Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
It is fitting that Christ would come into the earth in such a manner. The peacefulness of the event was in stark contrast to what was going on. Think about when Christ visited the Americas after being crucified. His appearance was in stark contrast to the earthquakes and crying of the people for the loss of their friends and property and the utter destruction and darkness.

 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. - 3 Nephi 11:10-11

There is video that beautifully describes  "The Christmas Miracle" with the German and American forces in the midst of war. Peace is possible. So, this Christmas and New Year approaching, May we all be that proponent for peace - " the peace which passeth all undestanding...", To become as " The Prince of Peace". Yes, peace IS possible. A blessed and Merry CHRISTmas to you.

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