It’s never been easy to have peace and good will. We have been longing for it for generations upon generations. It’s our constant prayer – to stop fighting, to never have wars, and to wish all men and women everywhere some happiness, comfort, love and meaning in life.
Living in these times it seems especially hard. Doesn’t it? I suppose if I could go back and talk to people who lived in the past they would say it was next to impossible back then too. So, it helps to keep it in perspective as we see the divisions, and read and listen to mean language, and can’t seem to find common ground anywhere.
I know I don’t have to tell you that here in America we are deeply divided and sometimes it seems there is no way to ever see a way to come back together. I am reading a book right now called “The Death of Expertise” by Tom Nichols and he says we are at a place right now (due to many reasons – social media, allowing false stories, conspiracy theories, and more) where believing in an expert’s years of education, training, and work efforts are denied. We are in a time and place where people doubt everything, and they make up whatever they want to make up. Often ego driven, anyone can go against an expert and think they are right. Being right is more important than offering peace and good will.
Finding peace and looking at others with wishes of good will is hard to do, isnt it?. Who can you trust? Who can you respect? It seems as if it has become a me against the world way of living. We have lost the desire to reach across the divide, to work towards acceptance, which can bring peace. Some actually prefer to stay adamant about their opinion instead of allowing openness and consideration.
As Christmas is about to come around again, I can’t help but sit here and wonder what Jesus thinks of us all right now. God sent him to teach us, to show us, to give parables, and to offer the gift of eternal life… but we turn against him, and we easily ignore the Jesus part of Christmas – while enjoying all the hoopla of a secular Christmas.
I struggle with this every December. The hypocrisy is so obvious – so on display everywhere. To think about the baby Jesus is just a side-note among all the parties, and events. Many people celebrate Christmas as a fun, gift exchange. The lights are fun and the music is catchy.
Does anyone even really stop to think about how to work towards peace and to bring good will to men during this season? (I just had a vision of Linus pop into my head. See Charlie Brown, this is what Christmas is really all about!) .
We have lost focus. We keep on seeking something bigger, and brighter, and ‘more special.’ We keep on wanting to outdo the last one. There’s pressure to make THIS Christmas the best ever.
And, the interesting thing is this: Jesus was born in a small manger, away from home, without a big production number, or a festive party for he and his parents. He was a tiny baby. Just starting out. He didn’t know in his infancy what God’s plans for him were… at least I don’t think he could know. But, he soon learned that he was God’s son, sent to bring peace to the world, and good will to all men.
I Sure wish we could be better at following his example. I wish we could worship him better. Do his work better. Share His love better. Put politics aside. Put divisions aside. Put fears away.
That is what Christmas is all about. Peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Marla’s Musings 