A Holiday Message

The theme for this year’s Hemet Hospice Volunteers, Inc. Annual “Light up a Life” was Peace. Peace is defined as 1) A state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony; 2) Harmony in personal relations; and 3) A state free of oppressive and unpleasant thoughts and emotions: “That will give me some peace of mind.”

Throughout history, many have spoken of peace. Helen Keller said “I do not want the peace which passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace.” Lyndon B Johnson, our 36th President said, “Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time." Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States said, “Our goal must not be peace in our time but peace for all time.” And finally, John Lennon, wrote of peace in his song “Imagine” saying, "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."

During the holiday season, we often hear the phrase “Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men”. The song “Let there be Peace on Earth” which is commonly sung during church services and played on the radio during the Christmas season, includes the phrase “let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”, a simple reminder that this is a special time of year which should include loving and giving.

One of my favorite childhood holiday programs, “The Charlie Brown Christmas”, includes a passage about peace. Viewing that program was the absolute signal to me as a child that Christmas was just around the corner. Today the signal begins somewhere around Labor Day, when Costco, WalMart and other department stores begin hanging the Christmas decorations.

In “The Charlie Brown Christmas”, on Lucy’s advice, Charlie Brown gets involved in directing a school play about The Nativity. Charlie arrives at the rehearsals, but try as he might, he cannot seem to get control of the uncooperative kids, even his own dog Snoopy, who all seem more interested in modernizing the play with dancing and lively music than of sharing the Christmas story. Charlie Brown, on the other hand, is determined not to let the play become commercial by directing the traditional side of the story.

Second guessing himself, Charlie Brown begins to wonder if he really knows what Christmas is about, becoming more and more concerned about the commerciality of the holidays and the obvious lack of spirituality from his classmates. The most memorable part of the program involves a very moving speech given by Linus, who quietly tells Charlie Brown the he can tell Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about.

Linus walks to center stage to make his point. Under a spotlight, Linus quotes Scripture, particularly the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke, verses 8 through 14:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.”

As we enter this holiday season let us remember the important message, so eloquently quoted by Linus. Let us pray for peace in the world, in the nation, and in our community. Let us remember those who are alone, who are troubled, who are ill or afraid. Let us utilize our gifts and our talents so that others less fortunate than ourselves can experience peace and tranquility. May God’s grace and Peace be with you all during this holiday season and in the coming year.