"Let There Be Peace on Earth"

Happy New Year! Whew! We made it! Thank you, Jesus!! What a wild ride 2020 was…from the COCID-19 Pandemic to civil unrest to the Presidential election.

Recently, I was reminded of a beautiful song that is often sung around the holidays, you’ve heard it…”Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.” Have you ever taken the time to figure out what that really means? Sounds like such a simple concept. I think it means finding peace and joy within ourselves and then sharing that peace and joy with others.

John 14:27 reminds us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

As I watch the violence and discord on news, I know that the common thread for all people on Earth is a mutual desire for a peaceful and fulfilled life. We must start by looking within at who we are and why we are here.

Perhaps Matthew 5:14-16 says it best, “…You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Indeed! We are called to be light. Let your light shine, my friend…especially now! So, as we move forward into a new year, 2021 and beyond, let’s set our intention to be the instruments of peace and light-bearers that God has called us to be. As the song says, “Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.”

Happy New Year & Many Blessings!