Editorial: A Christmas Eve wish for love and peace

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following editorial is adapted from one first published on Christmas Day 2014.

Daily Herald Editorial Board

It is usually the purpose of this space to try to stir you to some specific course of action or at least toward a different way of thinking.

But today, it may be that you are best left to your own thoughts, your own reflections. If we have one overriding message, it is just: Take time for those thoughts and reflections.

Today, Christmas Eve, is a time for hope and joy, and nothing should interfere with those emotions. Indeed, it should be the aim of all of us, whatever our spiritual tradition and beliefs, to consider how we make every day such a day.

This is no simple idea to contemplate while all around us conflict seems an all-too common theme.

Among the top stories of 2021: Insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol; Donald Trump was impeached for the second time; the pandemic surged and surged again amid the politicization of the vaccines that had been expected to end it; anger spilled over at school board meetings over mask wearing and Critical Race Theory curricula; business and government suffered the continued assault of cyberattacks; violent crime ravaged Chicago and cities throughout America; disputes over voting access broke out in states across the country.

Yes, it has been a year of polarization and turmoil.

None of this does much to encourage thoughts of peace and joy, much less, considering the seemingly endless routine of such stories year to year, hope.

And perhaps that's precisely why it's so important for us to take at least this season to concentrate on the opportunities for better things, the qualities and experiences of a better world.

We long for peach on earth, good will toward men.

Today, we encourage you step away from the drumbeat of polarization, to pause and take a breath, and to view the world through a lens of love and charity.

May we remember that in spite of all the rush of the season, there is time to stop and think, to stop and feel. To consider the actions that we can take and that others around us are taking every day to move us all toward a more harmonious, more productive sense of togetherness.

On this solemn and joyous weekend, we are only too inadequate to the task of providing you with knew thoughts of peace or stirring you to new acts of kindness. We simply take this opportunity to remind you that these qualities are already there, inside you and all around you. Among all the joys that will compete for your attention, don't overlook the blessing of a peaceful moment.

And leave a cookie and a glass of milk for Santa while you're at it.