For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” (Eph 2:14)
Hostility is the biggest, thickest, tallest and longest wall ever made. It is the dividing wall between nations, communities and families. How can one destroy this wall of hostility? Jesus gives us the answer - Love. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”(Jn.15:12) There will be peace always and in all places if this commandment is practised by all.
What is love?
CCC 1766 says "To love is to will the good of another.” Jesus said there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another (Jn. 15:13). Jesus did it. And He says, “… do it as I have done and love one another as I have loved you.” God is love. (1 Jn 4:8)
Where there is love there is God. Where there is God there is love. This God who is love is capable of solving all problems. It means if we love one other as Jesus has loved, almost all problems will be solved. The God of peace will rule our hearts.
Poverty, terrorism, materialism, illegal human trafficking , substance abuse, war, exploitation, sin, lack of faith and lack of trust in God etc., are some of the major elements that destroy peace in families, nations and the world. Nobody has a clear cut answer on how to solve these problems but biblical revelation gives the remedy to these crucial problems in the world. That revelation was given by Jesus while he was on this earth i.e., love one another as I have loved you. Then these problems will be solved.
Look to the manger, a babe is wrapped in swaddling cloth shivering in the winter cold in Bethlehem, where we hear the voice from heaven, ‘Peace to the world and to those who have goodwill to love one another as Jesus has done’. Let us take this message from the manger and spread to the whole world. Let the whole world worship Jesus to have peace. All those who worship God must worship in truth and spirit (Jn 4:24).
What is truth?
Thy word is truth (Jn 17:17). What is Spirit? “My Words are life and Spirit” (Jn 6:63). That means the Word is Truth and Spirit. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (Jn1:14). Therefore, Jesus is the Word that is Truth and Spirit. When we believe in Jesus and pray through Jesus, it is worship in Spirit and Truth. When we worship the Lord in truth and Spirit as the angels said, peace will be established on earth.
Let this Christmas and its celebration enable us to enjoy the peace and prosperity throughout our lives. May it flourish through our worship in Christ Jesus. I wish one and all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.