Will There Ever be Peace on Christmas?

​Last year at this time I wrote that there was no peace in the Holy Land this Christmas. Sadly this Christmas the violence continues, Lebanon has been brought into the conflict and the fall of the Assad regime has destabilized Syria. There are ongoing efforts between Qatar, Egypt and the United States to negotiate a ceasefire deal for the region, ending the years long conflict. With the end of the brutal Assad dictatorship, there is hope that the people of Syria can unite their war-torn country and live in peace.
 
Reflecting on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, reminds me how fortunate we are to live in the United States. Despite the political divisions that were intensified during this election year, we live in peace with our neighbors and enjoy general prosperity and safety. Wishing for peace this holiday season may seem a bit naïve, but the hope for a peaceful future for ourselves and others should never be crushed under the weight of cynicism or despair. 

Nearly 60 years ago when the Vietnam War opened Americans’ eyes to the madness of war, a new Christmas song was released by Stevie Wonder. The song is as relevant today as it was then and remains one of my favorite contemporary Christmas songs. Here is a link to the song, and the lyrics are printed below. ​

​Someday at Christmas, men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys.

One warm December, our hearts will see
A world where men are free.
​
Someday at Christmas, there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for.

When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on Earth.
 
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free.

Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime.
 
Someday at Christmas, we'll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand.

One happy morning, people will share
Our world where people care.
 
Someday at Christmas, there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears.

One shining moment, one prayer away
From our world today.
 
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free.

Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime.
 
Someday at Christmas, man will not fail
Hate will be gone and love will prevail.

Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart.
 
(Someday all our dreams will come to be)
(Someday in a world where men are free)

Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime.

Someday at Christmastime.

​The world continues to be chaotic and at times unjust, making the holiday season a welcome respite for many of us. This season of holidays is a time to slow down and reflect on what really matters in life. No matter how you celebrate the holiday season I hope that you can find peace and comfort in the company of friends and family.
 
This Christmas the world is not at peace, but at least my older brother Mark has finally found his peace. He passed away this month after a brutal fight with cancer. Rest in peace brother.

If you enjoy reading this type of commentary, please subscribe to my blog and tell a friend. You will receive an email notification when new blogs are posted. The email will come from the site’s email: armchairamerican1776 American @gmail.com.

Thanks,
Armchair American