Peace be with you.
In Christian churches around the world, that simple greeting is shared with and among worshippers during Christmas services. It’s how we bring home the angelic announcement recorded in the gospel written so long ago by Luke:
And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
In what may be a bold move, I propose that the earthly human greeting be changed:
Peace be in you.
Think about it. Turning that universal prayer for peace on earth into action begins with each of us. As we have been singing for fifty years now, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
Before we can love our neighbor, we must love ourselves. Each of us is a gift to someone. How do we treat our most cherished gift? We are filled with gratitude for it. We humbly care for it. We lovingly share it with others. See yourself as the gift you are and love yourself accordingly.
Before we can be at peace with our neighbor, we must be at peace with ourselves; who we are, what we do, how we live. Internal conflicts must be resolved before we can engage in peaceful discourse with others.
Before we can share goodwill with our neighbor, we must recognize the goodwill that exists within us. The spirit of generosity toward others is born in us; we see it all the time in very young children. As we age, though, generosity is sometimes replaced by selfishness. Find the goodwill within and you will be able to share it with others.
So, this holiday and every day, my wish is that peace be in you. In your heart. In your mind. In your soul. Then, and only then, can there be peace on earth.
Merry Christmas!
