“Glory to God in
the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is
pleased!”    –   Luke 2:14(ESV)

Although
I am not a history buff, I love stories that speak to the heart. Memorizing
dates or studying the intricacies of war doesn’t appeal to me. However, the
personal stories of the people attached to history do intrigue me. Recently, I
came across a story that took place in the midst of the fiercest fighting of
World War I.

The
story, recalled by those who were there, occurred around Christmas time when a
German soldier began singing “Stille Nacht.” His solo erupted into a chorus as
he was joined by English voices singing “Silent Night.” Following this carol, a
British regiment serenaded the Germans with “The First Noel” and the Germans
responded with “O Tannenbaum.”

What
followed was even more incredible in the midst of a bloody war. Men from both
sides put aside their weapons and their animosity, creeping cautiously and
quickly together to share food, cigars and drinks and even played a game of
soccer together.

What
was it that led to unity between foes in the midst of a war, if only for that
moment? It was a song about our Savior’s birth. But isn’t that exactly why the
precious Baby was born? Wasn’t His mission to bring “peace on earth?”

Whether
in times of war or in times of harmony, living in peace is an honorable
pursuit. How can we live in peace when we abide in a world of discord? One of
the definitions for abide is “to have one’s abode; dwell; reside.” We reside in
this world but we have a choice given us with the birth of a tiny baby over
2,000 years ago. Abide also means to wait in expectation just as Mary waited for
the birth of a child who was not of this world but chose to be in this world so
we could have ultimate peace.

In Hebrew, the word for
“peace” is shalom, meaning “may you be healthy, whole and complete.” Peace is
more than the absence of conflict. When we recognize peace begins with each of
us, we can take steps to reconcile with those from whom we are estranged.

One of my favorite
Christmas songs is “Let there be peace on earth.”

Let
there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Author Charles Dickens once
said, “I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a
good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the
long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their
shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were
fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other
journeys.”

Where are you seeking peace?

Carol welcomes your feedback atcarolaround@yahoo.com
or her blog,www.carolaround.com.

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About Carol Round

I have been writing stories, poetry
and essays since I was first able to hold a pencil. Although I have been a freelance
writer for more than 25 years, I turned my passion for writing into a full-time
career after retiring in 2005 from a northeastern Oklahoma public school
system. My passion is using my writing
to inspire others.

I have written articles for national
magazines, like Western Horseman, American Profileand Mature Years. My essays have appeared in
“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,”“Hometown
Heroes”and “Raging Gracefully.”

“A Matter of Faith,” my self-syndicated column,
is currently running in 12 Oklahoma newspapers and two collections of my
columns are also available in book form. Carol’s latest book, “Journaling with
Jesus: How to draw closer to God,” was just released and can be purchased at http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000522049/Journaling-with-Jesus.aspx
or at www.journalingwithjesus.com.

I always love hearing from my
readers and I especially welcome hearing about how God has worked or is working
in your life. Readers may contact me at carolaround@yahoo.com or check out
my blog at www.carolaround.com
to purchase copies of my books and read more inspirational thoughts.

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