World Day to Pray for Peace I am struggling to compose this week’s message. On one hand, the Gospel is pretty straightforward. It’s easy to talk about the sacrifice that Mary (and Joseph) made to bring Jesus up into the world. And I’m so glad they did. But it’s the other feast we celebrate today that has me stumped. Oh, don’t get me wrong: there’s a lot to say about peace this year. Shall we start with Ukraine? How about Africa? Syria? Palestine? According to one source, there are currently 60 major armed conflicts currently going on in the world. Did you know that? Okay, so let’s just look at the USA. Fortunately, there are no “major” armed conflicts occurring within our borders. But the level of violence is off the chart. In 2020, there were over 24,000 gun related deaths in the US. In 2022 alone, there were 300 school shootings. Here’s a sobering thought: if the gun related deaths in the US were compared to the 60 international war zones – the USA would be considered one of the top three war zones in the world. Let that sink in for a minute. And that's just gun violence. I can’t even gather the data on racism, homophobia, misogyny, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia…shall I go on? Blessed are you, Lord our God. You are the Creator of the Universe and of all that is good. You are the Word of Life and the Bread of Life. You are the Spirit of Love, Peace and Mercy. I say this prayer to calm my heart and allow myself to remember that, in spite of all the pain and suffering in the world, God has made it possible that I can feel peace. In 2012, one year after 9-11, the church I attended had a service on the anniversary. I was asked to give the reflection. My conclusion was that there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop wars, terrorism or violence. I cannot prevent governors from being threatened with kidnapping or assassination. But what I can do is to try and bring peace into my personal world. I can be peaceful at my place of work. At school. And most importantly, in my home. And if I can do that, then maybe someone will notice and do the same, and then two and then four, and the message spreads ever so slowly around the world. All of that, however, starts in my heart. Perhaps that is why I struggle to write this message. I constantly struggle to find peace in my heart. And yet, it is right there for the taking, if only I look. God is in me. God is with me. Consider what Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515) wrote: “There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, while I cannot give, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven. No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant. Take Peace. The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. Take Joy. And so at this Christmastime, I greet you with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.” Today, I will choose to search deep within myself in prayer and contemplation to find the peace that Jesus promised me. It is there for the taking because God loves me that much. And, when (not if!) I find it I will, with joy, share it with everyone I meet to remind them that when the shepherds came to see Jesus, it was because the angels had promised peace on earth. While we wait for peace to cover the earth and end violence of all kinds, I will tell everyone that that very peace is possible in my heart and in yours. Every Day.