Peace On Earth, Good Will to Some?

          With Christmas only a couple of weeks away, it seemed fitting to jot down some of the things I've been thinking and feeling.  We're cutting Evie off her nighttime use of pacifiers cold-turkey, since she's almost two and chewing through them like a puppy through a milk bone.  And she broke her second glass ornament this morning playing "keep away from Mommy".  But other than these minor grievances, our Christmas season is feeling pretty cozy.

           That said, there's still plenty of heartache and suffering going on out there.  Children are going to bed hungry, old folks are going without heat, and even among those of us with food and shelter, there are unseen hurts and struggles.

             People always seem to soften this time of year, spreading friendliness and warmth while Christmas music loops on the radio. Soup kitchens and homeless shelters find themselves inundated with volunteers.  According to my mother, my grandpa used to always say that every day should be like Christmas.  For some reason, this is the one season we feel we can be the people we always hoped we would turn out to be.  But pain and suffering is a year-round business, and so is helping one another.

             We also tend to forget to put aside certain prejudices with this Christmas spirit.  Oh, some people pretend, smiling and giving season's greetings.  But beneath the surface, the same thoughts are streaming.  And what happens when the lights come down and the tinsel is packed away? Right back to passing judgement, forgetting the humanity they almost found. 

              What better time of year to see people as God sees them? Not for their sins, since we all have them, but for who they are, the divine spark we all carry? People are capable of both great evil and great good, but I agree with Anne Frank that we're basically good.  Free will does play a part, but it's up to us to decide how best to show God's love. 

              I don't want to hear digusting terms like "righteous judgement" or "speaking the truth in love", because they're both candy-coated tickets to turn noses up at others.  The Great Commandment does not dictate love with conditions or strings attached.  Imagine if all our relationships were like that!

             "I love you, but not if you smoke." 

             "I love you, but only because you buy me nice things." 

             "I love you, but you need to stop swearing."

           Can you honestly picture God using "buts" and "ifs" in His love towards us? I honestly can't.  And if you want to be like Him, stop judging and pointing out the flaws of others.  Let Christmas be your take-off point, a practice ground if you will.  Regardless of how people look, talk, or act, let's try for that no-strings-attached love and kindness. 

           Sometimes people can get cranky this time of year, with traffic, shopping, stress, and assorted craziness.  But at least we're mostly in the same boat.  So pour yourself some hot chocolate or cider, put on those Christmas songs, and pray for Peace on Earth, Good Will to All.