Australians love to celebrate Christmas Day. The first one in this country, most likely occurred at Sydney Cove on December 25th, 1788, when initial white settlers enacted their homeland traditions.
Since then, it’s been traditional in the weeks leading up to the “big day” for family homes to be decorated, Christmas trees installed and greeting cards sent out. On Christmas Eve, carols are sung and church services held, while children anticipate a visit from Santa Clause. On Christmas Day, family and friends gather to exchange gifts and enjoy special Christmas food.
THE GIFT OF PEACE
Giving gifts during special celebrations occurs in many cultures, and faith traditions including Muslim Ramadan, Jewish Hanukkah, African American Kwanzaa, and Ta Chiu. However, there’s one special gift that can be exchanged year round with people of every race and creed. It’s the universal gift of peace.
Peace is not just the absence of war, hostility, violence, fear, or anger. Peace is harmony, contentment, calmness, quiet, rest. It’s a state of mind that finds expression in peaceful and friendly actions on our roads, at home, school, and in the workplace. It’s a spiritual quality of thought springing from a divine Love, and it resides within us.
TIP:
– Be generous. Give the gift of peace – patience, kindness, goodwill to everyone you meet each day.
– Unwrap gratitude for living in a peaceful community. As one recent arrival said, “I’m so grateful to live in peace. All I’ve ever wanted is a peaceful life for me and my family.”
– Give and receive the gifts of respect and tolerance.
– Offer appreciation to parents for the way they educate, house, feed, clothe and teach their kids to live harmoniously alongside neighbours, and work cooperatively with others.
BE A PEACEMAKER
A wise man once commented, “Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarrelling and contending”. – Matthew Henry
TIP:
– Be a peacemaker. Speak gently. Be patient at work, home, and school.
– Nurture unselfishness and compassion in yourself and others. Foster a spirit of unity.
– Be a good neighbour. Help everyone to live peaceably in “secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places”.
– Join with others in planting seeds of peace and reaping the harvest of harmonious, safe neighbourhoods.
– Let the much-loved Christmas nativity story told in The Bible, Luke, Chapter 2, inspire you to give the gift of peace now, and all year round. Such gift-giving, is good for everyone’s health.
I’m a professional Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher. Through my prayer-based practice, I help people find happiness, health and healing.
Thank you Beverly for your calming message. It is easy to get caught up in the business of the days and forget the real meaning of Christmas. The gift of peace to everyone would be the best gift anyone could receive. Applying your tips is a good way to start. Much love to you.
Yvonne
Thank you Yvonne for your comment. I am so glad that you found the ideas in this post helpful. I agree that giving the gift of peace to everyone would be best gift that we could give each other this Christmas. Have a peaceful and joyous Christmas Season.
Thank you dear Beverly for your Christmas message of peace. Sadly, the varied pressures of a busy Christmas often mean that message is lost, but we must make sure we do not let it go! Thank you for your priceless spiritual advice and caring words always!
Thank you Susan for your lovely comment. I am glad you find comfort and encouragement from the ideas in my posts. I trust that you will have a delightful and peace-filled Christmas with family. It’s something we would all wish for.
Beverly, I loved your definition of peace. It really made me stop and think! It is a graceful understanding.
Thank you Wendy for your comment. So glad you liked what I shared about peace. May you and your family have a joyous Christmas together. Blessings of peace to you.
Thank you Beverly for your gift of peace to me and everyone in the world.
Thank you Diana for your comment. Happy to share ideas on how we can give the gift of peace to our family, friends, and the world this Christmas. Seasons greetings to you. Have a happy time with your loved ones.