Peace on Earth

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.”

     “Peace on earth, good will to men”. These words echo the thoughts and hopes in many of our hearts today. If there were an official motto for the Christmas season, that might be: Peace on earth, good will to men. But Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the author of those lyrics, didn’t make up that phrase. Those words are part of a story that began a long time ago. And as we have been celebrating or decorating this month, I hope we all have found time to share, talk about, or remember the story of Jesus’ birth so many years ago and why He came to this world. Are we taking time to fill our souls with the love of Jesus so we can find and experience His peace?

     “My day began like all the rest, my babies I awoke and kissed and dressed. Fixed breakfast while they watched T.V. Then filled each growing, small tummy. Bundled them up their health to protect, the blizzard outside would not them affect. My husband arose as the day before, showered and shaved and was out the door. Barely a kiss to exchange post haste, for I, too was in a scurrying pace. Off for the groceries, my cupboards to fill, then to the cleaners, and drop off the bills. Lunch came and went without much ado, for today was the day for my new hairdo.

     Before I knew it, the kids were home, “Too much homework,” they all said with a groan. The little ones all went out to play, they’d had quite enough school for the day. Soon time rolled around for dinner to make, chicken to fry, potatoes to bake. My sweetheart arrives, his day is done, he asks the children how their day was won. Then the dishes and laundry and baths to take, a round of tickles and smiles to make. Soon teeth are brushed and prayers are said, and before I collapse, they’re all in bed.

     My day now concludes like all the rest, but looking back “Did I do my best?” I filled their tummies, made sure they had coats, but what of their Spirits? What of their souls? I’m trying so hard a good mother to be, but did I forget about Christ and what He means to me? Did I make time, my own well to fill, studying His word, learning His will? In all my giving, am I giving to Him, the place He deserves, making room for Him?  ‘Tween dishes and laundry, homework and play, did I teach my family the Savior today?

     Dear Lord please forgive me, my folly of late, help me remember the goals I have made. An Eternal Family is what I prize most, a dwelling in heaven, with Thee as the host. May I remember to each day make part, for Thee to be planted down deep in my heart. That my husband and children will easily see, our circle of love is not complete without Thee.”- unknown

    I believe that each of us can re-create that familiar scene in Bethlehem in our own lives. We can have a star to follow just as the wise men did. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” Psalm 119:105. The scriptures can light our way, and our testimonies can be a light within. The voice of angels can be the voices of our beloved prophet and His servants. We can kneel at the feet of our Savior just as literally as the shepherds and the wise men, but we do it in prayer. The gifts we bring are our talents. We can shout ‘Hosanna’ like the angelic choir and spread the good news by bearing our testimonies. Each new day is an opportunity to bind ourselves to act according to what we know. By works of righteousness, we can come to Him each day of our lives just as if we had trod in our sandaled feet the rocky path to Bethlehem, holding a staff or bearing gifts.

     At the heart of the nativity narratives in both Matthew and Luke, is a simple fact: amid the struggle of a people who had longed for 500 years for God to act in the world in new ways, God came to be with them in a way that totally identified Himself with us, as human beings. Amid the most unlikely of circumstances, to the most unlikely of people, God became a human being to reconcile all peoples to himself (2 Cor 5:18-19).

     I think that the true meaning of Christmas is about possibility in the midst of the impossible. It is not the kind of possibility that comes from confidence in our own skill, knowledge, ability, or a positive mental attitude. It is a possibility that comes solely from the fact that God is God, and that He is the kind of God who comes into our own human existence to reveal Himself and call us to Himself. Because He is Immanuel, God with us, will forever change the world and all humanity. It is this same God who has promised to be with us, with His people, with the church and with us individually, as we live as His people in the world.

     “Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world.” (Thomas S. Monson)

     The world’s political climate may continue to be volatile and changing, but we have been promised that through Jesus Christ we can experience peace in our lives.   The true spirit of Christmas is that spirit of peace -- the spirit of Christ.

     We know Him best simply as Jesus. It means “God saves.” In five short letters it reveals His mission- the reason He lived and died.  “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will toward men.”  Oh, that today the human family could recognize that song! The declaration then made, the note then struck, will swell to the close of time, and resound to the ends of the earth.  When the Son of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings, that song will be re-echoed by the voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, saying “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:6

     Are you making room for the Savior each day in your lives? That we might love one another, and through that love contribute to the establishment of peace. That was the greatest message heralded by the heavenly hosts at the birth of the Savior, when they declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men.

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