I love this carol. Strangely enough, I am tremendously stirred to hear it sung by a single voice. It somehow makes me truly listen to the words. The words of carols are about peace, love and joy. Every Christmas, year after year, they are sung in different countries, in different languages. And yet how much peace, love and joy do we see in our world today?
Our world is in turmoil.
The world is becoming a more dangerous place. There are now just 10 countries which are considered completely free from conflict – Botswana, Chile, Costa Rica, Japan, Mauritius, Panama, Qatar, Switzerland, Uruguay and Vietnam.
Ten countries! Isn’t that appalling?
The worsening conflict in the Middle East, the lack of a solution to the refugee crisis and an increase in deaths from major terrorist incidents have all contributed to the world being less peaceful in 2016 than it was in 2015. Goodness knows what 2017 will hold! We celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah praying for peace, love and joy. The Muslims while not celebrating Christmas, believe in truth, mercy and compassion. Hindus believe it is important to use the opportunity of a human birth to understand oneself and God. It seems every faith has noble, upright beliefs.
So, where then has mankind gone wrong?
In 1914 the First World War was raging. In December, on Christmas Day this happened:
I had tears pouring down my cheeks when I finished watching this film. Throughout history there have been wars. And they continue today. And they will continue in the years to come. So what can I do to alter the way the world works? I can’t make a difference on any battle field. No, my reach will have to be in a different sphere.
I will attempt to radiate a peace that extends beyond Christmas Day. I will appreciate others and continue to spread the ‘Christmas Spirit’ throughout the year.
May a deep peace, an inner joy and an outgoing love be with you all.
Throughout the year!!!
Silent Night
Holy Night
All is calm
All is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
Holy infant
So tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace.
And may the joy of Christmas be yours Gaynor. Love, Sandy
A most appropriate read for now and throughout the year. I fully agree with you Gaynor, this is what must happen 365 days a year, every year and throughout the world.
On each gift to our children and grandchildren this year I attached a bright laminated word approximately 15cm x 4cm. These were Peace, Love, Joy and Hope. On the back of each one I asked for this to be recycled as a Christmas Tree Decoration and then used as a Bookmark.
Thank you for your very uplifting messages throughout the year and may you be blessed always.
May Peace, Love, Joy and Hope touch all nations.
Yes, very true, Gaynor – when indeed, will there be peace and isn’t it strange that the majority of “skirmishes” happen because of differences in religious believes ?
Comments are closed.