"Let There Be Peace on Earth" - Luke 2:1-14 - December 24, 2004

My wife and I recently returned from Northern Europe. We visited Germany, Holland and Belgium. During our tours through the cities along the Rhine River our guide told us how the cities have been rebuilt since World War II. Throughout the area there were many streets where the architecture was a mix of old and new buildings. The guide told stories of how many cities were totally destroyed, including some of the cathedrals.

It was hard to believe that we were walking in the same area that was once devastated by war. During the war people had no freedom and very little supplies because of the occupation by the Nazi’s. Now the people live in peace and Europe is a united region.

It made me wonder why there has to be war. Why do nations have conflicts with other nations? Why can’t people get along with other people? The same question can be asked of families at Christmas. Why are some relatives alienated from the rest of their family? Why do siblings argue and fight? You would think that at Christmas everyone could get along and just love each other as God intended for us to do.

Unfortunately life does not exist without conflict. There is tension, differences of opinion. Greed and selfishness and power also cause people to be in conflict with one another.

At the time when Jesus was born there was conflict too. Herod was an evil ruler and wanted to stay in power. He was threatened by anyone that would challenge his authority or popularity. Unlike the shepherds he would not welcome the arrival of a "new king." The "Prince of Peace" was being born right in his backyard but he would not be accepted.

God, however had a different plan. God’s vision is for all His people to live in peace. God wants all nations and all people to be in harmony with one another. And, God wants everyone of us to be at peace with ourselves.

When I was in Germany I was struck by the transformation that had taken place since World War II. The country has not only been rebuilt, there is a substantial rise in tourism. Change has occurred because thousands of individuals believed in the future and were dedicated to a vision of peace. For Example, in Cologne, a city first occupied by the Romans, they have preserved several places where there are ruins from the original city. Ironically, on top of the ruins in one place was a nativity. The Romans rule ended centuries ago, but the story of the birth of Jesus lives on.

Peace is possible but it takes time and commitment. But just as God intervened in history with the birth of His son, we too can intervene and make peace a reality in our time and place. World peace may seem impossible since people speak different languages, have different cultures, practice different religions and have different political views. So how can we bridge the gap that separates us?

While in the Netherlands, our travel company arranged for all of their passengers to visit in the homes of people who lived in Grosebeck. When the travel company advertised to arrange for local families to host American visitors they had an overwhelming response. We were divided in groups of six and our group visited a newly retired couple. Surprisingly they were just like us. They were gracious as they shared their home and a little of their lives. We had a wonderful time and at the end we exchanged emails. Imagine what a different world this would be if we all had the opportunity to visit people in other countries. World peace can happen when we reach across the great divides and share our lives with others.

Not only do we need world peace, we need to be at peace with the people around us. That of course requires some reaching out and also a little faith. The reason we don’t reach out is because we are afraid. "Fear not," the angels told the shepherds. They had nothing to worry about, because God was with them. And God is with us as well.

There is a wonderful story about two soldiers during the Christmas of 1944. A soldier was lost, somewhere in Belgium or France. It was late and he was tired. He saw a barn and slowly moved toward it. The door moved and he gripped his rifle. But, it was nothing more than a little white kitten. Slowly, he moved inside the barn, his fingers gripping his rifle. It was Christmas Eve and he was in the middle of a war zone. He couldn’t take any chances so he checked out the barn and it was dark and empty. He needed a place to sleep. "Heck of a Christmas Eve," he said under his breath. He decided to climb the ladder and sleep in a loft that still had some hay. He opened up a can of bean and ate one bar of chocolate then wrapped himself in a shawl that had been given to him by his mother. He then laid down and went to sleep.

Later in the night a noise woke him and he peered over the edge of the loft. Down in the barn he saw a lantern. A young woman had entered the barn and sat on a bail of straw. There she sat, nursing her tiny baby. No other humans were in sight. The soldier just kept silent. After the young mother had finished feeding the baby she held it over her head. She began to dance and sing a lullaby. After awhile the baby fell asleep. She said a prayer and then she laid it in a bed of straw.

The soldier then heard a sound from the other hay loft. There he met another set of eyes, peering back at him. Each had been intent on the young mother, nursing and cuddling her infant child. But, now they were looking right at one another. By their uniforms they could tell they were on opposing sides. For a long time neither one of them moved. Finally the enemy soldier moved, gently climbing down the ladder with his rifle cautiously slung over his shoulder.

The sound of his boots startled the young mother and she looked up, afraid. But the soldier smiled and nodded respectfully. She relaxed and then the soldier reached in his pack and handed her a wooden music box. The mother smiled but no words were spoken. He then left the barn and disappeared into the night.

Ten minutes later the first soldier climbed down his ladder as the young mother watched. He kneeled beside her and then reached into his pack. He handed her some powdered milk and one remaining candy bar. He placed them beside the music box. The young mother smiled and nodded. He started to leave but the music from the music box stopped. He retraced his steps then picked up the music box to rewind it. He could see that it was delicate, the work of a master. It was a fine gift. He then rewound the music box and the waltz began to play once again.

The young mother saw the soldier peering down at her child. She then reached down and pulled back the napkin that covered its peaceful face. The soldier then took the shawl that had been given to him by his mother from his pack and placed it upon the child. Then, he too disappeared into the night. (from A Christmas Dozen, by Steve Burt)

Peace is possible when we respect others and don’t panic at the sight of those who are different. By focusing on what matters, the presence of a new born baby in our midst, we acknowledge the "Prince of Peace" whom God has sent. Just as the soldiers gave the young girl gifts. the giving gifts and sharing with others enable us to be at peace with our neighbors.

Besides being at peace with our neighbors, God also wants us to be at peace with ourselves. There is no greater peace than inner peace. Throughout Europe we visited many cathedrals. They are impressive as they stand high above the city, always on the highest ground. Although many cities were destroyed during the war, many churches still remain. They continue to remain the centerpiece of each community.

We made the climb to each cathedral. They were surrounded with the sights and sounds of a busy, bustling city life. Outside you could hear people talking, cars racing by and trains moving about. But inside it was calm and still. It was an awesome feeling as we gazed upon beautiful stained glass windows, high reaching arches, countless wood carvings, silver candlesticks and magnificent paintings. Inside people were praying and moving about, silently and reverently. You could sense the presence of the almighty. It was amazingly peaceful. There we were, on the very spot where a tragic war took millions of lives. We were in a country where the people spoke a different language and have a different culture. Nevertheless, we found peace.

In the quiet, indiscreet city of Bethlehem, the peace of God made its bed. Lowly shepherds gazed in awe at the presence of a child who would change the course of history. Peace had become a reality and given them hope. Peace is still a reality for us too as we welcome the Christ into our lives. May the peace of God be with us all and may the "Prince of Peace" continue his eternal reign.

Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio