Scripture:
Luke 10:6
If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.

Matthew 10:13
If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.

John 20:21
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Thoughts:
Peace has different aspects: it is something within ourselves, it is something we create in our environment, it is a gift from God.
Like a field prepared for the seed we create an openness in each of these ways for peace to take root. We can become people of peace, or “peacemakers”. But how does this happen without first making our peace with God, and receiving His peace?

We have a commission to share the inner peace we receive… but it isn’t something relegated to the Christmas season only. Our peace is something we grow all year long, with our efforts, attitude, and determination. It isn’t easy to live in peace in this hostile world. So here is the paradox: we must battle to keep peace. What efforts will we make to make sure that peace has a chance? And how do we make sure we are instruments of peace in this battle?

Start with our homes and those relationships we have every day: we can extend ourselves and be patient with one another. Can you think of other ways?

Activity:
Music is a wonderfully soothing “instrument” (little play on words there!). Play some peaceful music at your house. Try some harp music, or instrumental Christmas carols.