The Pulpit Speaks: December 22, 1956

An article written by my father, the Rev. C. Thomas Paige, as it appeared in the Tri-State Defender on the date shown.

What is this thing called Peace?

Nearly 2,000 years ago, an angelic host descended upon this earth and filled the air with a new tune and a new message: “Peace on earth, goodwill to men!”

Many a weary breast had been nourished by the prophets’ messages that one day, a day of peace would come. Day after day and night after night they held forth a hope that one day, a day of peace would come. After many long days and casualty upon casualty, the world was finally aroused by the angelic song of peace on earth.

But what has it meant to the people? Soon after these notable events, those who identified themselves with this great “Peace Movement” were hunted like wild rabbits, captured, and lost their heads upon the hero’s chopping block, or lost their all in being burned to death in large arenas.

To some, the whole effort of peace meant more worry, more confusion, and chores. What was to be their reward for following this “Babe of Bethlehem?” What happened to the peace He promised so earnestly?

*****

It is my opinion that even today we find ourselves asking the same question: what has happened to this thing called peace? Day after day we receive letters from our sons and relatives in the far-flung battlefields. Many of our sons who are home live under the apprehension of being called soon. Our very souls are filled with fighting within and fears without. Still many of us look forward to a day of peace.

THE MESSAGE

But let us look at this great message again. One of the Bible commentators has made it read, “Peace on earth to men of goodwill.” It is my belief that, in the final analysis, he has seen the real picture of it. There will be peace only when all men become ambassadors of goodwill. When the world becomes filled with men of goodwill, peace will be the inevitable result. But as long as men’s hearts are harbors of malice, greed, prejudice, selfishness, and hatred, they only serve to impede the progress of the great “Peace Movement” instituted by Jesus.

CHALLENGING HOUR

Christmas always brings to us a most challenging hour. When Christmas comes, the year is far spent. It should make each of us become examiners of ourselves, to see what contributions we have made to world conditions. Much of our current interest is a matter of our own making. The pollution of many of our hearts has failed to allow us to make positive contributions to our day and time. Many times, words that have fallen from our lips have contributed highly to our world conditions. The conditions of the world today are the result not only of sins of commission but also sins of omission. Peace will be realized only when the world is inhabited by men of sincere goodwill.