CHRISTMAS PEACE

Job 12:7-13 (NRSV)

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you;
the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of every human being.
Does not the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
Is wisdom with the aged,
and understanding in length of days?
"With God are wisdom and strength;
he has counsel and understanding.

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Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!
- Luke 2:14 (NRSV)
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MY office offers a lovely view of the lake nearby. During a quiet time while meditating on the Christmas message of peace and goodwill, I saw four small ducks on the water. Despite the cold December afternoon, they were a picture of tranquility - at peace in their situation.

Quite soon, those ducks were surrounded by dozens of large Canada geese. My heart skipped a beat since I feared that the ducks would be attacked or in some way disturbed. However, that picture of peace and goodwill prevailed. The small ducks swam around the larger fowl, seemingly unperturbed by their presence. They showed no fear. Though the birds were different in size and shape and sound, harmony reigned.

In a world with national, religious, cultural, and racial differences and conflicts, I am inspired by such scenes of peace and goodwill. I remember the angels' song, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace."

Prayer: O God of peace and goodwill, renew us in your spirit as we approach the manger of the Christ child. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
We do not have to be alike to live in peace.

-- Robert R. Allen (Missouri, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those engaged in peacemaking