Christmas Week, Friday Day 6 - PEACE

PEACE ON EARTH

I searched online and then took a sight-seeing drive.  People decorating houses for the holidays can be quite creative. Traditional displays sit next to the unusual and spectacular. I was looking for something that used to be common.  

Along with exhibits promoting the standard lights of red-green-white, Santa, Reindeer, and nativity scenes, an abundance of resplendent beacons promoting Peace on Earth could normally be found. Three of these were close enough to view.  

The exploration was based on childhood notions of the Christmas season. "In the good ole' days, people used to have peace in their hearts during this season", say the 'oldtimers'.  I count myself in this group.

"Way back then', it seemed evident to us that people were more considerate, especially during the Christmas Season.  

They opened doors for those struggling with packages while towing children.  They waited at stop signs with a smile on their face and signaled, "No, that's OK!  You go first." 

They donated more. They volunteered more. They evidenced behavior indicating gratefulness for the birth of the Prince of Peace. It was 'presence over presents'. 

Kindness and peace universally prevailed in the community at large. Or so it seemed, I guess. 

Maybe it is the 'me' generation. I am a member. Maybe it is the social media generation. We all belong to that one now.  Maybe it is simply the idea of individualism that has become some rule of law in Western society. 

Maybe it's even childhood impressions being overly sentimental and things were never as imagined. It really doesn't matter. What matters is that I recognize and rejoice in the concept of 'Peace on Earth', especially on Christmas Day.  

To quote an old song, "Let there be peace on earth" and let it begin with me!"

Merry Christmas to each of you.  Merry Christmas to those you love and those who love you.  May all find Peace on Earth today and forever.

Notes: 

"Let There Be Peace on Earth" is a song by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller written in 1955. The song is usually associated with the Christmas season and appears on the album of the same name by country singer Vince Gill".  (YouTube) 

Click the link above and watch the video if you have time.  Words of wisdom are scattered throughout.