The Christmas Holiday is almost on us. Many of us will be getting together with family, and hopefully that's a good thing!
But we live in the real world. So let's face it, when families get together it's not always like the Hallmark commercials. Families carry strong emotions and baggage at times. When we get together, sparks can fly.
When Jesus was born the angels sang these words.
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14 (NIV)
Years later Jesus would teach, "Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
Most of us will not be able to directly influence world peace, however we can be agents of peace in the lives of those we gather with this Christmas.
If we see conflict, will we seek to help bring understanding and resolution? Will we be quiet and do nothing? Or do we fan the flames?
This reminds me of a prayer by Francis of Assisi.
"O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life." - Francis of Assisi
Let us be the peacemakers Jesus intended us to be this Christmas, and thereby honor his name!
