Prolog

In the few weeks leading up to Christmas, my church celebrates the season of Advent. The important lessons of ‘peace’ are taught by remembering the coming of the Christ, first as baby Jesus in a manger and finally as the King in victory over the apocalypse. Christmas concludes the season with songs of “Silent Night” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” The holy child sleeps in heavenly peace. The angels declare peace on earth. The Prince of Peace returns at the end of time to bring heaven’s everlasting peace. Peace, I believe, is the message of Christmas.

My church is bedecked with fragrant pine boughs, the holiday banners of gold and red hang from the rafters. The tree in the corner is draped with construction paper chains the Sunday School kids have made, filled with prayers for the children of the world. The choir has just sung “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and our Christmas day worship service has come to the time of Sharing the Peace.

The minister says, “Peace be with you;” the congregation responds, “And also with you.”

“Let us share the gift of peace!” after which we mingle with smiles, hand shakes or kisses on the cheek, and greetings of “The Peace of Christ to you!”

On this Christmas day, I am remembering the year I turned 21 when my Christmas was full of unexpected gifts of peace given and received.