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Let's find peace and goodwill all year

Elder Kevin Santucci: Good tidings

In Luke Chapter Two, we find the story of the very first Christmas greeting. But if you look carefully you will see that it was not men that gave this first greeting but angels. They said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, Peace, Good will toward men”.Notice the angels said Peace, Good will toward all men. What a greeting! Let us stop here and ask ourselves some questions. When was the last time you wished someone good or success in what they are doing? When was the last time you looked out to the best of your ability for your next door neighbour, friend, or even your family? Have you ever wondered, what was the true meaning of those words by the angels to the shepherds on the night that Christ was born?Do those words by the angels of long ago still have Blessings in them for all who are living today? In a place where most people still enjoy the beauty of fine culture and a quite walk on the beach. We can still say that we are a Blessed people in Bermuda. Most people are longing for the perfect day of Peace this Christmas, but to be honest it all begins with you. To most, just the thought of Christmas will offer peace.But some may question, is the high spending of money that we do not have really worth peace? Others will look to their time with their families and friends for that Perfect Time of Peace. Still others will lay out the Peas and Rice, Scalloped Potatoes, Turkey, Leg of Lamb, Beets, and Macaroni as a time of Perfect Peace.But most would agree that it’s not until the Farine Pie is cut with the meal, and the vegetables are served, with a side plate of lemon or apple pie and plenty of something to drink that everything is peaceful and all right. The question I love to ask today is does this really bring Peace? If we are true to ourselves, we would all say No!When the parties are over this Christmas,, and the last drink taken, that will be the end of most people’s peace. But this doesn’t have to be your lot nor mine. Today like the Shepherds we can find the Prince of Peace. Do you hear what I hear? It sounds like someone is leaving some gang to live a better life. Do you hear what I hear? It sounds like a father is saying I’m finished with drugs, beating my wife, and not being a good example to my sons and daughters. Do you hear what I hear? It sounds like someone has taken their guns to the police station because someone’s son and daughter found Jesus. Do you hear what I hear? It sounds like people are finding ways to work with our Religious and civic leaders in fighting violence in our communities. Do you hear what I hear?As it was on that very first Christmas greeting, let it be the same for us today.The record says: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you Good Tidings of Great Joy, which shall be to all people.“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, Peace, Good Will toward men.”As the angels departed, and the shepherds went to see the Holy child, they were filled with Glad Tidings and proclaimed that same Peace to all they came in contact with. My prayer for all today is, as you find the Prince of Peace, this Christmas you will be like the Shepherds and share that Peace. That Bermuda may be a country of peaceful citizens, who find joy in helping each other fulfill their call in the circuit of life.Elder Kevin Santucci serves at Devonshire Seventh-Day Adventist Church and is Chair, National Day of Reflection and Thanksgiving Committee