From the piped in music at the mall to the sounds coming through the doors of places of worship around the world, the messages of the season are clearly heard. Joyous songs of faith, lilting lyrics with a holiday flair and the ubiquitous accolades to Santa and his reindeer all collide in a tumultuous, sometimes raucous, announcement that, once again, its time to celebrate.
But celebrate what?
Amid the visits with family and friends, the buying of gifts, the feasting, the holiday parties and a few days of well earned rest, is there more? What about that one commonly used phrase “……peace on earth and good will to men…..” Is there something more of the season in those words?
A small sign in the window of a seldom visited business had something to say about peace. “If you want peace,” the words announced, “then work for justice.”
Is “peace on earth” tied to a cry for justice that can barely be heard with all those competing sounds of the season filling the air? And is it just possible that the birth of a baby hailed by hundreds of millions around the world as the “Prince of Peace” in reality is an announcement that there will be no peace unless justice forces its presence into the consciousness of humankind.
Perhaps. But if one chooses to equate the two then there is plenty to do now that will address the birth of every child on the planet.
How about a safe and welcoming place to live, far from the roaring avalanche of the wars that those who never knew or understood justice heap on us all?
A community where all are accepted because that baby whose season we celebrate grew to teach that justice wasn’t selective.
Or perhaps a living wage for work well done so that those who care for the children in their lives can do so with pride and purpose.
Food to satisfy and nourish. Schools where minds are opened and questioning is encouraged. Neighborhoods free from violence and places where the sign “no smoking” is next to the one that says “no guns!” Clean air to breathe and places to run.
Yes, justice means many things for babies to grow and children to thrive if they are to be surrounded by peace.
“Tis then the season to remember once again that peace on earth begins with the children.
Olson Huff, MD 
As always, beautiful Olson. And of interest, this was the subject of Peggy, Margaret and my conversation over lunch – using the same quote and trying to decipher all the innuendos. Thank you for this. May the Peace we know is possible through Christ infuse the hearts of our world citizens in ways that allow all children not only to understand it, but to experience it.
You would know better than most, Olson, about the children. Always the champion for those who cannot protect themselves. Thank you, Wise Man. A blessed Christmastide, Maggie
Olson,
Your words are eloquently stated, and the truth in your message is profound. Thanks for sharing this with me.
You should soon be getting my card in condolence of your beautiful sister, Jeanette. I am saddened that I was unable to attend the celebration of her life, and I am giving a donation to the local Hospice unit in her memory. I am also sending cards to her children.
I hope that you and your family are well.
Love,
Joyce
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Thank you Joyce. The service was a quiet but meaningful one. She was a huge force in my life and will be missed!
Love to of you and a very Merry Christmas!
Olson
Amen, Olson. Thank you for your usual insight and the beautiful way you express your thoughts. Merry Christmas to you and all your family
Barbara
Thank you, Barbara. Indeed “:tis the season” and we need to focus on the peace it announces!
Merry Christmas to all of you
Olson
Olson,
And you told me the other morning that the writing muses have been silent. Not now. Not with these words.
You make the connection between the joyous peace and the call to justice, never intended to be separated as is often the case. Thanks for always making that connection with your life and words. Thanksl
Mahan
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Interesting isn’t it? I suppose the timing of our getting together was on target!
Thank you for your kind words. Look forward to more times of growth and reflection!
Peace, Olson