A festive message from Rev. Paul Nash
Peace on Earth
A Festive Message from Rev. Paul Nash
“If there was ever a year we need peace at Christmas, it is now. There are so many places where troubles, anxiety, wars, natural disasters, famine and floods impact the everyday lives of people as we hear so often on the news.
“Our hearts break and sometimes we feel debilitated to help. Peace on earth is a sentiment we frequently see on Christmas cards. Peace is a word that is commonly used as a greeting in many cultures, Salaam, Paz, Shalom, Paix, for example.
“How do we understand peace? I don't like describing things as what they are not. Peace is frequently described as the absence of war, troubles, problems and pressures etc.
“Positively, peace can be described and experienced as sense, harmony, contentment, safety, security and tranquillity. We can experience this peace individually, in families, communities and nations. We tend to be very aware when we are living without peace. Peace that is experienced physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
“We should be able to feel safe, to be able to keep those we love safe, to thrive but we know that is not always possible. You may be reading this knowing only too well, how this is the case.
“Some of us have found it helpful that there are places of peace. Locations where we feel these things. For many of us that is in nature or a sacred building or a special corner of our home.
“There are also people of peace, individuals that exude that sense of composure and calmness, that help us to feel peaceful when we are with them.
“Sometimes Peace has to be worked for.
“A part of the Christmas message is peace on earth. Christmas began with the birth of Jesus, who is sometimes called The Prince of Peace. Ironically, in a place which, at the time of writing is experiencing no peace.
“In seeking comfort in sadness and distress, some find hope, support, inspiration and direction that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is always with us, in the midst of every trouble we might find ourselves in - this Christmas and beyond.
“To have an inner ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.
“As we look at a world of conflict and situations closer to home, we can all seek to be peacemakers. A chaplain elsewhere, Tess Ward, wrote some words that I find helpful. I have adapted them for this Christmas message:
‘We long for an end to war but there can be none without living for peace.
‘We long for peace in the world but there can be none without peace in the nations.
‘We long for peace in the nations, but there can be none without peace in the communities.
‘We long for peace in the communities, but there can be none without peace between neighbours.
‘We long for peace between neighbours but there can be none without peace in the home.
‘’We long for peace in the home but there can be none without peace in the heart.
We long for peace in our hearts today, let us seek that peace, remembering peace begins with me.’
“At Christmas, we seek to have lots of fun at BWC, but we are always mindful of how we can create peace and a sense of calm with our patients, families and colleagues. Our chapels can offer this for many, especially during our candlelight sessions this festive period.
“We bless you and your loved ones with Peace this Christmas.”