Thoughts for the season – Week two of Advent, seeking peace.

“Peace on earth…” This was the angel’s message to the shepherds on the first Christmas Eve. It was the time of pax Romana, the 200 year period of relative peace thanks to the iron hand of Rome’s military. Yet there is much more to the true peace that the angels proclaimed than simply the absence of conflict. Here are a few quotes to ponder at this season.

If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.” – Lao Tzu (Philosopher, 4th century BC, China)

While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” – Francis of Assisi (1181 – 1226, Italy)

Peace begins with a smile.” – Mother Teresa (1910 – 1997)