Acquire the spirit of PEACE

What was and is the real message of Christmas? The angels filled the sky with the message, singing joyfully, PEACE on earth, good will toward men.

In all the years that I've been alive, this message has had no greater meaning, as we still live in a world where there is NO PEACE. There is no peace because there is no forgiveness, and as we fall into the mire, the love of mankind diminishes.

Will we humans ever get it? Perfect love means to be at peace. Peace be with you, is the message to the world. A world which has not learned its lessons of the past, and has not yet decided to forgive. Are we not all brothers? What will it take us to learn this?

God became incarnate in our human form to teach us how to forgive. He came because He desired to forgive us Adam's deed, which separated us from God. The gospel account is full of examples of forgiveness, healing and peace.

The greatest sign of love is forgiveness. No love, no Forgiveness. The word Love Means to give. Give forgiveness for the sake of Peace. God proved His Love for mankind by His coming and by the fulfillment of salvation for us by means of the Cross and by His Resurrection.

Jesus said on the cross, "Father Forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)Without forgiveness, true and inner peace cannot be possible. Nor, can there be peace on earth.

Mankind has a responsibility to forgive and obtain Peace. The future of humankind depends on our ability to forgive. The bible, in Rev.6:3 makes clear that we must heed the warning. As we approach the familiar words; "Come and See. --Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take PEACE from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."

Is there room for love without peace? Without forgiveness there is no Peace. Without Peace there is no hope for our world and our lives. We talk about our failing environment, and it is right to care about such things. More importantly, are we ready for the peace that was meant to be? When we learn to stop the fighting, we may just accomplish something great.

Let us accept the "gift" of our savior and Lord Jesus as he departed from this world. "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 15:6). The Orthodox study bible

Bringing Christmas to the world, is a tough challenge for humankind. It must remember the poor, needy, suffering, amongst us and in order to love one another, we are "required" to forgive. In forgiving, may we acquire peace in a new light and understanding. Only then, can we bring Christ to the masses, contagiously.

One my favorite parts of the movie "Scrooge" is when he is confronted with the very happy "Spirit of Christmas" who loves to sip a little, and shares his goblet of liquid happiness, to the grumpy humbug, in the hope that he can be changed. A change that was unexpected, but is well received and now is a happy recipient of Christmas.

Scrooge saw how life should be lived, in a spirit of peace and good will to humankind. And there is no doubt in my mind that he was loved.

Do you want to be loved? Then decide today to forgive, and in forgiving, you will acquire the spirit of peace. And, the world will be a better place because of your change of heart.

Let it begin with me.....This Christmas let us be partakers of forgiveness, love, everlasting Peace -- and joy, the way it was meant to be.