As we approached Christmas, I thought about the popular Christmas saying derived from Luke 2:14. It goes something like,

“Peace on Earth and goodwill toward men.”

Even if you’re not Christian, I think that most of us could still glean some of the things to pursue for making our and others’ worlds better. Specifically, as we’re winding down 2020, this passage gives us a direction to look back and, also, forward towards the next year.

It Starts With You
For much of this year spent both working from home and helping to facilitate my son’s education (mostly done virtually), outside of video calls, I have kept in touch with others through social media. I have to admit that it’s been a struggle to get past some of the vast online negativity.

Many of the wishes seem to revolve around returning to “normal.” In truth, I think that they mean regaining more stability and knowing what to expect from day-to-day. At least, in Michigan, we have dealt with schools opening and closing, as well as the same for some businesses sectors. While my wife and I are blessed to be able to work from home, I know that this isn’t the case for everyone. If you’re an essential worker, there can be additional challenges with coordinating work and childcare.

Since various conditions impacting us can change, we may have less stability than we did before. I feel that some of this lessened stability comes through in selfish or downright nasty behavior. Just the other day, I saw someone force their way into a lane because they needed to access a turnaround. Thankfully, an accident was barely avoided.

Then, of course, there are demeaning, insulting statements I see throughout the posts. Everyone’s an expert, even when they’re not. Everyone has an (not necessarily informed nor factual) opinion to express. People that don’t agree are either evil or stupid. When I read statements in these and similar veins, I wonder if they truly comprehend what they express or if they just put it out and forget it? I think that much of the time, there isn’t much thought. However, if there indeed was more thought, then it makes me wonder what this says about them?

Speaking only for me, I use one huge criterion. Assuming that my son understands my statements, what would he think about them? From the beginning, I tried to be mindful of what I say and do, so that I can set that example. One of the guidelines that I try to instill is The Golden Rule, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” If I expect him to follow it, it starts with me.

Even if you don’t have a child to keep you honest, “IT” STARTS WITH YOU. If you want more stability, then shouldn’t you seek and nurture it? While you directly don’t have total control regarding your circumstances, you can directly control what you say and how you react to your circumstances. For example, if you decide to be that person making nasty, demeaning online comments to others, how do they improve your situation? Does “getting the last word” in truly improve your circumstances? For many, I am sure that these behaviors not only don’t change anything but they leave those people stuck on repeat, where they take out their bad, toxic feelings on others.

Why Not All Year Round?
Under non-pandemic circumstances, there is a certain euphoria that many feel towards Christmas. We think about gathering with loved ones. We think about celebrating long-held traditions accompanied by specific, great food. For those that are fortunate, they give and receive gifts.

For some, they mention “the reason for the season.” When it comes to this, I think about how many traditional Christmas songs referring to certain themes:

• “Silent Night”: “…Sleep in heavenly peace.”

• “Here We Come A-wassailing“: “Love and joy come to you, and to you our wassail, too.“

• “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen“: “O tidings of comfort and joy“

• “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”: “Peace on earth and mercy mild…“

I think that most of us can agree on love, joy, comfort, mercy and peace being good things. Agreed? Instead of just working towards these things leading up to the Christmas season, shouldn’t we work the rest of the year to bring them and other similarly good things into the world? If you agree that they are good and that we should work towards them, then what are YOU doing to make them happen? More importantly, if you feel a lack of these things in your life, are you acting in a way that people, who can actually help, want to do so? There is the old saying that is still relevant, “You catch more flies with honey…”

A Merry Little Christmas
As you may wistfully look at olden days spent with faithful friends (and family) who are dear to you, try to look at the peace that you may have. Perhaps it can take some work. Maybe it might help to reconnect with people that you haven’t spoken with in awhile. If you’re fortunate to have peace, then reach out to someone and see how they’re doing. During this pandemic, I have found that those needing help may not have asked for it out of pride/denial or from not realizing that they need it.

As we celebrated our holidays, albeit in different ways, I still wish you more and continued blessings. I hope that your world is the best that it can be. If there are ways that they could be better, I hope that you can get the help that you need. Most importantly, I profoundly hope that you celebrate making it this far. From moment to moment, you may not realize how you made it but you did. You made it and I hope that you grant yourself the kindness to be immersed in those beautiful moments.

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