Scripture reading
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.
–John 14:27
Thought of the Day
Towards the end of the Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow sat down and wrote a Christmas Carol. Even though the words were simple and few, they spoke volumes about the war and Longfellow’s personal faith and hope for the future. I know you have heard these words:
I heard the bells on Christmas Day,
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet, Thy words repeat,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Today, with things as they are in the world, I think we need to take these words to heart and do all we can to listen for the bells, Wadsworth writes about. We need to have faith and hope in peace in the midst of war. So listen and pray for peace as we approach Christmas Day.
Prayer
Lord, Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Amen.