Today we are celebrating the birthday of the one who is called "The Prince of Peace." It is when we experience God's great peace in our own lives that we can come to know that great peace that passes all understanding.
It is there only that we can be at peace with ourselves, our fellow man and ultimately the world. Seems to me the longer Jesus waits to come back for his second return, the more we experience the Biblical account of "Sodom and Gomarrah." The Rev. Dr. Billy Graham said on one occasion, "that is, we continue on this sinful route we are on, surely God will pardon their sinful situation."
I keep hoping and praying that mankind will turn from their wicked ways, and we can experience the great task of beating our instruments of war and destruction into plow shares and pruning hooks. How can we ever be effective in our quest to lead other nations to peaceful solutions as long as we live the lifestyle that is commonplace in America today?
Daily we read about or watch on television of husbands and wives killing each other or continue fighting for control of who is right or wrong. It doesn't stop there, it continues with brothers and sisters and business partners, and it's sad to say such situations have crept into our churches under the guise of good leadership.
One of our favorite country music stars is Anne Murray. A recent CD my wife purchased has one of my favorite Christmas songs on it. Miss Murray sings about if she only had three wishes to make, what would they be. First and foremost is that the world would experience peace on earth and good will to all mankind. Second, it would not only apply to a chosen few, but to everyone, and third, it would last forever. I do not believe we will experience this type of peace until Christ's second coming.
I recently enjoyed two days of peace and goodwill. It took place as I played Santa Claus to three groups of youngsters. This was the 50th year of playing Santa at various schools and churches. I am sure I have totaled more than 100 times being the jolly old St. Nick. There are so many new electronic items available today that lots of times I haven't the faintest idea of what a little boy or girl might be asking for on his or her Christmas list.
This year, I got one special request from a little 4-year-old boy — he wanted a cow. I questioned him if he was speaking of a real cow or not. He said, "Yes." I always tell a child if there's something mom or dad might not want them to have that I have to check with them about the request. With his little eyes twinkling, he assured me it would be OK since his mom was getting a horse.
One of the toughest parts of the job is lifting some 35 or 40 little ones up on Santa's knee, especially when the chair I'm sitting in is a child's chair. Adding this seating arrangement to a body that is already perspiring is still worth the joy I receive from these precious little bundles of love.
Lest we forget ...