Daily Meditation for December 26, 2022

It was an unusual cast of characters: frightened shepherds, exultant angels, a tired and pregnant woman, a worried young husband, a harassed inn-keeper, rich travelers from the East, and a crowd of braying donkeys and dirty sheep. To each and all came the message: “Peace on earth to all of good will.” Both before that first Christmas and ever since, humanity has longed and prayed for peace. We know that peace is more than the absence of war or struggle. Peace, the Christmas angels announced, comes to those of good will. Peace is the work of justice. Peace is rooted in respecting the dignity of all people and safeguarding their basic human rights and needs. Peace is the tranquility of order within both the human and the natural world. Peace is the fruit of reconciliation.

By a Sister of St. Benedict