As a little boy in Christmas seasons past, I remember learning the refrain “Peace on Earth.  Good will towards men.”  My interpretation of the word “peace” back then was one-dimensional . . . an absence of conflict, especially war.  As an older man, I’ve come to appreciate how much more peace can mean, how many dimensions of peace exist, and how much more peace we need in this world!  We are certainly surrounded with a great deal of conflict, armed and otherwise.  While the breadth and depth of it may shift over time, it remains with us always.  Yet some of us find peace even “passing understanding” (Philippians 4:7), or when we are compelled to “count it all joy” (James 1:2-4).  This is an inner peace that transcends circumstances, as we lean deeply into our faith in Christ.  There is a relational peace with others, when we see past their trespasses (and ours too!) to recognize through spiritual eyes that we are all part of God’s creation and created with intention.   There is a peace looking to the future because we embrace God’s eventual New Heaven and New Earth in which all of us will live side by side in harmony.  I pray that you find peace this Christmas season, regardless of circumstances, and grounded in faith and hope.

 

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash