This time of year is meant to be a season of joy. In peaceful towns, Santa Clauses smile from storefronts as carols fill the air and children make their lists and send letters to the North Pole. However, in other parts of the world, the scene is starkly different, with Bethlehem and Gaza suffering from canceled celebrations, and conflicts ongoing in places like Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia. Refugees around the world hope for a safe harbor, with millions displaced and in need of food, clothing, and most importantly, peace.
As the world becomes increasingly noisy, with social media platforms like TikTok, X and Facebook boasting billions of users, the importance of silence and reflection diminishes. The noise of anger, envy, greed, and lust drowns out the possibility for calm discussion and civility.
At Christmastime, it’s important to remember the true meaning of the season, to seek inner peace and freedom from the unnecessary and the superfluous. In the midst of the chaos and noise, finding that place of peace can be a challenge, but it is essential for the well-being of individuals and for the world as a whole.
