"Democracy in Action Series,"
Pt. IV:
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace (Luke 2:14 NIV)." This Bible verse is often quoted and inscribed on countless greeting cards this time of year. Unfortunately, there is not too much peace in the world right now. In a sense, this lovely Hallmark sentiment has been reduced to a hollow, meaningless platitude. The true meaning of Christmas has been obscured by a spirit of political and religious infighting and rampant materialism. This has led to our infinite entanglement in a historical and moral disaster. Ironically, this unrest is occurring in the birthplace of the most influential and polarizing historical and religious figure, Jesus Christ. Throughout this series, I have proposed a variety of solutions that could be applied as a means of getting us out of our predicament (i.e, Iraq). These solutions are both political and personal in nature.
The political solutions, for example, pertain to current national issues as well as international affairs and foreign policy. First, I encouraged readers to support U.S.-led peace talks with Iran, Turkey, and Palestine. Secondly, I asserted that America is in dire need of civil disobedience and a widespread anti-war movement. Thirdly, I argued that in order to support our troops and honor veterans, we need to bring them home and even drafted a possible resolution. I also emphasized the importance of supporting President-elect Barack Obama and his cabinet. In this fourth and final essay, I will reiterate my belief that we need to persuade our legislators to pass bills that will bring an end to this illegal, immoral war and that those responsible get their comeuppance. These things, done in tandem, will suffice as political solutions.
Next, I proposed a plethora of personal solutions. I provided readers with a booklist, practical applications, and websites. What I will offer here, however, is not so tangible. We have to be honest with ourselves; the primary reason for out involvement in the Middle East conflict is greed. Sadly, this greed is never more prevalent than on one of the most supposedly sacred of Christian holidays-- Christmas. In this era of conspicuous consumption, instant gratification, get-rich-quick schemes, and omnipresent images of vapid pop-culture icons (not to mention mega-churches and the Prosperity Gospel), we need people who will stand up and be iconoclasts. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition defines iconoclast as "n one who attacks settled beliefs or institutions." Perhaps no one personifies this definition more than Jesus Christ. In his revolutionary "Sermon on the Mount," Christ commands his followers to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). What better way is there to celebrate the Savior's birth than to seek peace in our own lives? This can be done by living simply, being charitable and compassionate toward others, and yes, challenging our "settled beliefs and institutions." Finding peace within ourselves will allow us to create peace in the world.
This holiday season as well as year-round, let us recapture the genuine essence of Christmas. In order to do so, we should follow Christ's example and disabuse ourselves of our bourgeois, "more-is-more" mindset and actively take umbrage with the establishment that perpetuates it. We should instead focus on loving one another (John 13:34-5) and not learning war anymore (Isaiah 2:4). In other words, it is time to actually give peace a chance.
"Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it (Psalms 34:14)."
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