Sleep in heavenly peace

Heavenly peace???What is that?
     What is peace anyway?Is it the absence of war?  In addition to being the second Sunday of Advent, today is the 73rd anniversary of  what President Franklin Roosevelt called "a day that will live on in infamy", the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
     Pearl Harbor signaled the beginning of one  the most deadly conflicts that our country has ever experienced - World War II.
    That's it...peace is the absence of conflict.  I am not a fan of conflict.
     I've been known to leave the conversation when there is conflict.  Sometimes I've been known to leave the room in haste (not some of my finest moments, I must admit).
     While I know and appreciate the fact that God made us all different and I really don't think everyone should think "just like me", I get nervous when there's a disagreement.  And it doesn't matter what the disagreement centers on.
     I have found, however, that sometimes conflict is necessary.  It certainly was necessary when our ships were destroyed and lives lost at Pearl Harbor.  But is it necessary when we are attacked personally?
     Recently I heard a very strong word used in describing how I had treated someone in a meeting. I was shocked.   Talk about not wanting to be a part of conflict.  I wanted to run out of the room, but I knew that wouldn't be professional.
     I really didn't think I was guilty as charged.  It took me a while, but in time, I avoided conflict.  I asked for forgiveness. I chose peace.
     Henry Wadsworth Longfellow had to choose peace as well.  In the midst of the Civil War, he had lost his wife in a fire and his son had been severely wounded as a Union soldier.  On Christmas Day in 1863, Wadsworth heard the Christmas bells ringing.  As you read the words he wrote, I think you will see that he had to "work through" making a choice - and that he too chose peace:


"I heard the bells on Christmas Day;  Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet, The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth  The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent  The hearth-stones of a continent,  And made forlorn The households born Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;  "There is no peace on earth," I said; "For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:  "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail,  With peace on earth, good-will to men".


He chose, I choose - peace! I hope you do too.


" And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).