The Prince of Peace, by Gregory Peele
From the Pig Pen
I extend to each of you the warmest of greetings as I ponder what I can say that might possibly be of value amidst the cowardly, shameless, and needless acts of terrorism we have just witnessed in Paris, France. I would have to believe that you loyal Buzz readers are grieving this horrible tragedy. Even as we Americans have just finished our traditional observance of Thanksgiving, the entire world is on edge waiting to see what the next move may encompass. As always, the perfectly baked gobbler, the various renditions of dressing, the cranberry sauce, and the pecan and pumpkin pies were delicious. But even amid the food and fellowship that abounded, I found my thoughts drifting toward our country’s oldest ally, the nation of France and the hurt and the uncertainty the French people must be experiencing.
Who among us can forget The World Trade Center, the Federal Building in Oklahoma, the Atlanta Olympics, and the many acts of violence that have disrupted our colleges, our schools, our movie theaters, and countless other venues that dot our countryside? Just this year, alone, we have seen civil unrest in Baltimore, in Charleston, at Wayne Community College, and a huge increase in shootings in and around Wayne County. What will be the outcome of this wave of crime, violence, and terrorism? How long can this nation withstand this constant barrage and uncontrolled rage? What must be done to right the ship?
Doesn’t this process, this journey begin with each of us? Doesn’t it have to begin in the home? Haven’t we Americans become too lazy, too fat, too content, and too complacent, even to the extent that we have become rather good at casually looking the other way as long these tragedies do not directly impact and affect us? Unfortunately, I believe that to be the case, myself included. Things didn’t get this way overnight and they can’t be changed in a single day or by a single person. The longest of journeys must begin with a single step.
The greatest man this world has ever known spoke a simple language, loved unconditionally, and his life was characterized by love, generosity, and kindness. We as a nation, a state, and a community would do well to emulate the Prince of Peace. He gave all that he had. He went to the Cross of Calvary, to pay a debt he did not owe, a debt mankind could not pay.
This Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, may our thoughts, our mannerisms, and our actions reflect our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We would be wise to fall down on our knees and pray that God almighty will touch the hearts and minds of an angry and a confused world. Mankind stumbles and falls round about us, but the Prince of Peace stands tall for the world to see. Have a great Christmas and as always, until we next meet, be of good cheer.
