If we want peace on earth

At Christmas time, I attend concerts and church services where I hear beautiful carols of praise and thanks to Christ the King for bringing peace and joy to the world.

However, one carol (I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day) says, “And then in shame I bowed my head; there is no peace on earth, I said, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth - good will to men.”

The carol ends on a happy, hopeful note, but I’m not so hopeful. If we want peace and good will, a great many people must make a very great effort; by voting, speaking out, writing, demonstrating, refusing to fight, negotiating with enemies, understanding and respecting adversaries, compromising, rebuilding what we have destroyed, forgiving, and asking others for forgiveness.

Eric B. Greenfield