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)
