Peace On Earth

View of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts from the International Space Station.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  Luke 2:8-14 (KJV)

From space, the pains, sorrows, and even the joys of the world's peoples cannot be seen. Yes, they are there, yes, they are real, yet they take on a certain insignificance when viewed from a distance.

In this season of Christmas (and yes, of Hanukkah as well) I turn my face to the Lord Above and I know Hope, I know Love, and I pray for patience. There is suffering in the world and I do what I can to alleviate such suffering, even if that simply means not contributing to the suffering of others.

Do what you can, when you can, and know that the Lord is in His Heaven and will return someday. Until then, keep the faith, love thy neighbor, be a Peacemaker.

Christmas Eve is upon us and as we travel to be with family, I pray for those less fortunate and try, as much as I can, to share my blessings with them.

Peace be with you all.

And Love, it really is all you need.