Peace on Earth: The best Christmas present
The desire for peace is as old and enduring as life itself.
During the Christmas Season, the absence of peace in our world becomes more pronounced because this is supposed to be the season of “peace on earth, good will toward men.” So how can we move from “peace on earth” being a quaint idea to a living and breathing reality?
I believe that the first step involves making a concerted effort to keep the idea of peace paramount in our minds. We are immersed in a culture of violence, which is glorified not only by the media, but by our popular culture as well. “Peace on earth and good will toward men” has become downright counter-cultural! We seem to prefer the seeming thrill of a good fight to loving our fellow man. Violence clearly sells, and it will as long as we continue to buy!
Although we often give lip-service to peace, the clear challenge before us during the Christmas Season and beyond is to how to make that peace a reality. I believe that we are also unsure of how real peace might look like, and if we really achieved it, would we really like it?
If we are truly to have peace on earth, our thoughts and our actions need to be in alignment. If we are to really and truly choose peace, it has to begin with us. It is only when we have created a peaceful heart within ourselves that we can truly impact others. We cannot extend peace to others if we are not at peace within. When others attempt to draw us into conflict, our mantra should be “I can choose peace instead of this!”
It is often noted that the mere presence of Jesus was enough to create peace in others by raising the consciousness of those around Him.
What is the Christmas Season if not the call to be Christ to one another? If you want to give a lasting and meaningful gift this Christmas Season, give the gift of peace. Vow, as St. Francis did, to be an instrument of peace. Remember that peace and violence are always a choice. Each day, strive to create peace in your own and others’ lives by making a conscious effort to give and receive love. Finally, strive to remove violent input from your life.
Drastically limit your exposure to all forms of media, which seem to thrive on highlighting man’s inhumanity to man rather than goodwill toward men. Always remember that for every act of inhumanity, there are a thousand acts of kindness. Dare to be counter-cultural and choose to focus on the latter.
“Peace on earth and good will toward men” can reign in out hearts and minds not only during the Christmas Season, but all year long. We simply need to make peace more of a priority than the violence and anger that seem to permeate our culture. Change does not have to be big to be impactful. History has repeatedly shown that it is consistent, everyday action that transforms the world.
May your Christmas Season indeed be transformative and be filled with true peace that will endure into the New Year!
Dr. Angelini is a licensed psychologist and a business and personal coach. He has been in practice for over 30 years. He specializes in assisting individuals in finding and sustaining careers that are rewarding, life-enhancing, and in keeping with their personal and spiritual values. He can be reached by email at rayangel58@gmail.com or you may visit his website at https:// drrayangelini.com.