Christmas—a time to celebrate our faith and love with family and friends. We gather to enjoy holiday meals and sing carols; celebrate Christmas tree lightings; watch the joy of children eagerly waiting to open their gifts. But for some of us, the holiday brings up continued conflicts and differences with others. In that case, how would you like to offer some Christmas peace this year?
New York Times columnist David Brooks notes that “at least 27 percent of Americans are estranged from a member of their own family, and research suggests that about 40 percent of Americans have experienced estrangement at some point.” (The most common form of estrangement is between adult children and their parents.)
Read David Brooks: “What’s Ripping American Families Apart?”
But making Christmas peace with others (and ourselves) is possible. Why wait?
Reconciliation is one of the best gifts to give and receive, making Christmas a great time to offer an olive branch and end a disagreement. Even the prophets of ancient time described the child to be born as the Prince of Peace. When the angels appeared to the Shepherds in the fields, they declared, ”peace on earth.” Even as we journey through Advent, we light a candle that symbolizes peace.
Read more about the 4 themes of Advent.
What can hold us back from offering Christmas peace? It could be stubbornness. Or pride. Someone once wrote, “Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.” Our hurt can also get in the way—wounded people tend to lash out at others.
Granted, it takes spiritual strength along with humility and grace to extend the olive branch. Prayer also helps. “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…” in the words of St. Francis.
Read the prayer of St. Francis.
This season, find the courage to make some Christmas peace with your son, daughter, sister, friend or colleague. Pick up the phone, send a text, write a letter. The relationship may be restored or not. But it might go better than you think. You’ll never know until you take a step of faith.
Remember that making peace with others also heals our own wounds. And we discover a priceless gift that makes our lives, relationships and world better.
