by Stephen Cook, Team Rector of Okehampton and Northmoor There's a line in a 1950s folk song which I suspect may draw on an older idea, which goes, 'Let there be peace in the world, and let it begin with me'. The message of the angels, 'Peace on earth, goodwill towards men', resonates through the Christmas story. Here is a tale about homelessness, travel, overcrowding and violence that still has at its heart an overwhelming message of peace and goodwill. We can't do very much about madness and violence on the other side of the world but we can make peace with our neighbour, we can end the quarrel in our family, we can put aside the thoughts of vengance and hatred in our own hearts. John's Gospel tells us, 'God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world but that the world might have life through him'. Here is this gift to each one of us; whoever we are, whatever we may have done: God's unconditional offer of peace. How can we hate our neighbour when God has forgiven us? Peace is not just an absence of conflict. Peace is built by active decsion. God has made peace with us through Jesus. We welcome his peace into our hearts and homes and in the strength of that we make peace with those around us. From there peace spreads into the wider world. May I take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and peace filled Christmas and every blessing for 2007.
