Each year, as most people celebrate the holidays and the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, we almost always incorporate the phrase, "Peace on Earth," in our hymns, songs and writings.But despite our persistence, sacrifices and prayers, peace has
remained elusive and difficult to attain. Abuse of power, pride, greed,
tyranny, one-man rule, injustice, arrogance, and unfairness are among
the chief causes why there is no peace in many parts of the earth.
Christmas is a special time for loving and sharing the blessings we
received with our family, friends and loved ones. Christmas is a time
for forgiving and being forgiven. Jesus has taught us to love one
another and to forgive one another. But forgiving is one of the hardest
thing to do especially if the hurt caused very deep wounds that need
more time to heal.
We can make forgiving a bit easier by keeping in mind that the past
is done. We can learn some lessons, reap the benefits from our
experience and avoid making the same mistake in the future. But no
matter what we do, nothing could be done to change what had been or to
bring back what is gone. It is time to turn a page to a new chapter in
our life. We should focus not on the closed door, but on new
opportunities offered by the open door.
We cannot love and hate at the same time. That is why it makes a lot
of sense to let go of the pain and hurt and to take the first step
towards forgiving and loving those who matter most to us.
Let us bring to an end the cycle of vengeance and vindictiveness that
will eventually destroy all of us. Let us get on the road and begin our
journey to the path of love, peace and reconciliation.
