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METRO CREATIVE
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)
It’s so very hard to watch or read the news these days. Too many nations continue to battle each other in either physical or economic arenas. Too many children are insecure about where their next meal is coming from. Too many dreams are shattered and too many loves are lost.
You might think, “That’s a really cynical and depressing view for a Christmas message.” You might be right. But, unfortunately, the facts are there in stark black and white, or today, in vivid, 24-hour, seven day-a-week, heart-rending color.
Before you dismiss this writing, examine this with me. Have you ever seen a time where relationships were as strained as they are now? Have you ever witnessed a period in our recent history where even our world and national leaders cannot find common ground over the simplest of issues.
The verse from the Book Isaiah referenced above was written over 2,700 years ago foretelling a time when a Prince of Peace was to come. No matter your beliefs, the one thing we can certainly agree on is that we are all hungry for peace.
So—what if it began with us?
What if… We could look across the table and discover that our differences are irrelevant and we simply could discuss our hopes and dreams for our children and grandchildren?
We could pull a hungry two-year-old up on our lap, feed them and sing them a lullaby while rocking them to an untroubled sleep?
We could, as a world or nation, look our leaders in the eye and say in one voice, “we believe you can find the answers if you stop blaming each other for the problems?”
We could forgive hurts, whether perceived or real, by sitting with our neighbor and work to discover that the gap between us is not so far?
Here are my Christmas wishes for you this year.
To be moved by the sights and sounds of the season giving us hope that peace is closer than we realize.
To have a quiet moment gazing at a distant star with the understanding that someone far away is seeing it too. Let that be a graphic reminder that we have so much in common with each other.
To hold the hand of a dear friend or relative and just enjoy a restful moment of gratefulness that we have the precious gifts of life and love.
To be part of a community of people that will humbly admit that we are too quick to judge and too easy to anger. Then, with bowed heads, may we ask for forgiveness from Him and each other.
While I have painted a less than rosy picture with this year’s Christmas message, the ancient writing above spoke of a wonderful Hope. Hope that Peace is within our grasp.
From my house to yours, may Peace reign over all you do this Holiday season.
Dirk Webb is the President and CEO of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce.
