MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Peace on Earth, can it be
Years from now, perhaps we’ll see
See the day of glory
See the day, when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again

For me, it was never a question that this song was going to place first in the countdown. For many years, I have held this song in the highest esteem for its simple message that transcends the very things that divide us by our different generations. Peace is something we all wish for, and it is something that we hope someday is achieved throughout the world.

It starts much smaller, though. It starts with me. It starts with you.

Just yesterday, I ordered a Christmas Blend coffee from Starbucks, and on the cup were two messages:

• I wish Grown-Ups Could Remember Being Kids
• I Wish Everyone Could See How Much We All Have In Common

I do not know how to put it more simply.

Peace on Earth, can it be
Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can

There’s something that happens to us when we get older. We get caught up in the game of life without even knowing it, and we suddenly get hardened by the knocks that do their best to bring us down. We become focused more on ourselves than we do others. We forget to smile, to love, to offer a little kindness without solicitation.

We need to do better than that.

Maybe today’s younger generations need to write themselves a note about how they feel about peace, and how they hope it will be a reality when they grow up. They should seal the envelope and write “To Be Opened in 2025.” Maybe that reminder will help them soften a bit, awake them from the slumber of the machine, and make peace and kindness the center of their lives once again.

During the height of the shopping frenzy yesterday, I was driving along York Road, and a gentleman was trying to merge onto the street. I slowed down, flashed my lights, and waved for him to go ahead of me. Before he could thank me, his face registered more shock than gratitude. I genuinely believe that he thought he was going to be waiting a while for somebody to let him in.

It took less than 10 seconds for me to slow down, let him in, and resume moving along the road. I was surprised I did not get honked at by the “inconvenienced” drivers behind me.

Ten seconds. Maybe that’s all it took for him to believe kindness still existed. Maybe he then passed it along to somebody else. That’s the way it’s supposed to work, at least.

I pray my wish will come true
For my child and your child too
He’ll see the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on Earth, can it be
Can it be

I believe it can. Truly. With all of my heart. For you, for me, for all of us, in all ways.

I hope you enjoyed the countdown as much as I did in sharing it with you. May each of you have a blessed Christmas, and let’s all do our best to keep Peace and Love in our hearts, in all that we do. Not just during this time of year, but throughout the weeks and months that follow.

God bless, with love and peace,

Rus