Luke 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
At Christmas time we sing about peace on earth and send Christmas cards (or e-cards) with the same sentiment. The reality of our world reminds us how desperately we need peace. Daily we read about acts of aggression and killings, locally as well as internationally, and something inside of us longs for such a day when all men can live peaceably with one another. We wonder if such a thing is possible.
But the reality is…peace on earth begins at home. The reality is Christmas can be a difficult season accentuated by broken relationships and tension within our families. Too often there is no goodwill to those closest to us.
The cute family movie, “We Bought a Zoo,” is a true story about a single dad who decides his family needs a fresh start, so he and his two children move to the most unlikely of places: a zoo. In one scene the dad offers these words to his son who is afraid to do something good in a relationship, “Sometimes all you need is 20 second of insane courage. Really, just 20 second of embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” I think that is probably a good philosophy on life.
It only takes 20 seconds to say, “I am sorry.” Twenty seconds to say, “I forgive you.” Or “I was wrong.” It only takes 20 seconds to take the steps to walk away from something destructive in your life. Twenty seconds. That’s all.
That’s all the courage you need to take the first step in restoring a broken relationship this Christmas season. The only thing stopping you is your pride. But then, that will keep you from so many other good things in your life. That’s why the Christian life is always about dying to self. It’s a supernatural work, for sure, but in taking that first step of courage toward reconciliation we find it is we who are healed.
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matt. 10:39
And when you do…something great will come of it.
Gail Johnsen 