Day 38 - Let there be peace on earth

Is it just me or are we getting busier as every festive season approaches. So much to do to get ready for Christmas. We can make plans to get things done, but so often something else takes over, and we end up stressed to the heights and chasing our tails again to reach our goal. So often working at a fast rate can cause problems, that will disturb our peace.

Robert Burns, the poet, wrote the words: “The best laid plans of mice and men”. What he essentially means is that no matter how well prepared one may feel, their plans may still fall apart due to circumstances beyond our control. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. “Failing to plan is planning to fail”, as they say. Then there is the state of the war-torn world and the promise of peace from the various leaders. We continually speak of world peace and pray for permanent world peace. The truth is though; it isn’t going to happen, until the Prince of Peace the Lord Jesus Christ himself rules and reigns in every heart. It is just so sad when you see media pictures and hear of the devastation and destruction in the lands that are caught up in war.

It might not only be the state of the world that is spoiling our peace, but it may also be something within our own families. Fallouts that have lasted for years and still haven’t been dealt with and are still open wounds. I am reminded of the verse in 2 Timothy 2:23-24: “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful”. Desmond Tutu had this to say on the subject: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” This encourages individual actions towards peace, emphasizing that collective efforts can lead to significant change.

Let There Be Peace on Earth is a song written by husband-and-wife team Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller in 1955. The song lyrics say an awful lot on the subject and gives us a clue on how to sort things out:

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.

Let peace begin with me,

Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take

Let this be my solemn vow;

To take each moment and live

Each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.

There we go then; the song lyrics have given us a starting point to do our part and see the difference we can make this festive season.

Every Blessing!

Tom Bonnar