Wednesday, December 7, 2022
“Peace in War”
On this first Wednesday in December, our country observes National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, calling attention to December 7, 1941, when 2,403 Americans were lost in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. During this season that asks us to pause and reflect the image of Peace, it’s more than appropriate to give thanks to our men and women serving in the armed forces, especially those who lost their lives.
I’ve always been very interested in history, especially military history. This time last year, I stumbled on an interesting story that involved our servicemen and women at Christmastime in 1944. In order to share some Christmas Peace with our Allies, US Servicemen visited orphanages in Britain and brought Christmas to children who had lost their parents.
As I looked further into the story, I discovered that US troops were actually bringing peace even earlier to Europe. As early as 1941, US Servicemen and women were trying to bring peace to our European Allies by dressing up as Santa, bringing homemade gifts, and hosting parties for children in need.
I do understand that what we often read, hear, and see from history and media is not necessarily the most realistic presentation of what takes place during war. I also understand I am sitting comfortably at a desk, working in a vocation that I love, and living in a location that is unparalleled in beauty. I also recognize that lots of men and women gave their lives, sacrificing everything, to provide me with this Christmas Peace that I experience today.
I give thanks to the LORD that most of us reading this are blessed with the Peace of Christmas because of the sacrifices made by so many men and women before and around us. In the same breath, I pray for those who are unable to experience Peace this Christmas because of the war and conflict they are facing. God wants Peace for the world…the whole world. Somehow, we must remember that.
“A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever.” (Isaiah 9:6-7, CEB)