Peace.

In the midst of chaos.

Peace.

In the midst of stress.

Peace.

In the midst of a disease that has killed millions and is not slowing down.

Peace.

In the midst of arguing, tweeting, insulting and fighting.

Peace.

In the midst of lost jobs, no hospital beds, no food on the table, no presents under the tree.

Peace.

In the midst of boredom, impatience, frustration, and fatigue.

Peace. Just simple peace.

The peace of a winter’s night. A familiar holiday song. An excited child. A bittersweet memory from years ago. The promise of the manger.

Peace is a gift we can give ourselves, and this year, we mustn’t forget. We need it too badly. If even only for a few brief moments, we can go inside our hearts. Slow our breathing. Let thoughts drift away. Just be. Just breathe.

There are so many who will not be so fortunate. They’re exhausted. They’re mourning. They’re worrying and waiting.

So maybe, for them, we can be a presence of peace. We can put down the signs, the flags, the hats and the ignorance. We can remember we are all just dust. We can see the spirit in each other. And we can choose peace.

Things change so quickly. One Christmas, we’re worrying about what to get a grandson. How to put together a bicycle. Where Aunt Martha will sit at the holiday meal. How late does Walgreens stay open because we’re gonna need a new bottle of Gorilla glue (and possibly a lot more wine).

This year, things are a whole lot simpler. Life is a lot more fragile. And peace feels like a faraway thing.

Unless we insist on giving it ourselves.

Then maybe, we can give it to others as well. Merry Christmas!

And may Peace Be With You.