In his book Christmas 1945,Matthew
Litt tells about the first peacetime Christmas celebration in the US after
World War II. The New York Daily Newsalerted readers to expect a fleet of
warships in New York Harbor: “Christmas Day will find a mighty armada,
consisting of 4 battleships, 6 carriers, 7 cruisers, and 24 destroyers.” But
instead of waging war, the military ships hosted 1,000 needy children
The children’s measurements had been taken
previously so that perfectly fitted navy-blue coats and woolen caps would be
gift-wrapped and awaiting them aboard the ships. These vessels of war had been
transformed into carriers of compassion.
The prophet Isaiah predicted a future day
of Christ’s reign of peace on this earth: “They shall beat their swords into
plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (2:4). Christmastime
serves as a reminder that the Prince of Peace will ultimately bring a time of
global calm and compassion.
As we celebrate the first coming of the
Prince of Peace and wait for His second coming, we are reminded of our
privilege to serve as His “carriers of compassion.”
True peace comes from the Prince of Peace. (RBC)
