Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward All

Most people have heard the story of the Christmas Truce during World War I, in which some troops on both sides of the trenches stopped fighting and enjoyed a holiday evening in peace and harmony with each other. Lesser known is that this was not unprecedented. It was reported that a similar event happened in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War. A French soldier stepped up in front of everyone and began singing “O Holy Night”, which led to a temporary cease-fire between the troops in that area. It didn't last, of course. Peace rarely does. The officers, who were not at the front lines, did not approve of such things as fraternizing with the enemy and not killing each other.

My point is this: the Power of Peace is strong. When enough people decide to stop fighting and start getting along, miracles happen. The men were tired of fighting, tired of killing, tired of losing loved ones, and took it upon themselves to put an end to it.

This isn't about religion. This is about Peace. Most religions in the world today call for some sort of Peace. During this holiday season, it’s hard not to hear the phrase “Peace on Earth, Good Will toward Man.” Why is it, then, that with so many calling for Peace, we don’t have it?

The answer is simple: Intolerance. People say they want peace, yet are unwilling to tolerate anyone or anything they don’t agree with. I’m not pointing fingers at any one group or person. I've been guilty of it myself, although I try to be tolerant. Sometimes it is difficult. You believe someone is living the wrong way and it is your duty to correct them. Only, it isn't. Your duty is to love one another. Treat others as you would be treated. The Golden Rule isn't “Do unto others before they do unto you,” it’s “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Although the former would work as well, provided what you’re doing is treating them as you would wish to be treated.

Peace is not easy. Too many people have their own opinions of how things should be. Our society has become so ego-centric that many find it impossible to consider someone else first. “I’m right, they’re wrong, why should I give in?” Only, it’s not giving in. It’s getting along. Consider if everyone started getting along and stopped fighting over such silly things as political parties and sexual orientation? Instead of fighting over which religion is the right one, we agree to let each person worship (or not worship) as they see fit.

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 every step i take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

This song, written in 1955 by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller, sums it up nicely. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Now. In this moment, and each following moment. Let me live in harmony with my brothers and sisters instead of fighting. As John Lennon put it, you may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will live as one.