A hope for peace, still
Here we are in the midst of another Christmas season. Bombarded by the message of material wealth, instant gratification and political correctness. Where did the reason for the season go? Has the spiritual enlightenment Jesus Christ brought to the world over two centuries ago been traded for the ravages of war, inhumanity to man and acts of greed?
To find out if world conditions 50 years ago were any better than they are today, I turned the pages of the Hartselle Enquirer back to 1965 to find the answer.
Here’s what I found in a column I wrote under the title of “One Man’s Opinion” dated Dec. 16, 1965:
“The only real hope for genuine peace in today’s world of confusion and violence is a stronger bond of compassion, love and understanding between men of all nations, races and religious creeds. Man alone, when motivated principally by physical values, is powerless to achieve so simple a goal. Even the most destructive of nuclear weapons, though they may be developed in the name of peace, can do no more bringing about peace than creating fear of one nation for another and encourage the weaker to play hurry-up, catch-up so often regardless of the sacrifice.
“The answer to peace lies in man’s ability to grow spiritually with humility under the influence and leadership of God. Love, compassion, charity and understanding are some of the qualities of good character that emerge from man when he patterns his life after spiritual values. Peace, whether it be in a single household or a world of nations, is dependent upon a full measure of these qualities.”
Our wish for you: that you and your loved ones may find the peace, hope and abiding love of that first Christmas filling you hearts and your home throughout the joyous holiday season.
Clif Knight is a staff writer for the Hartselle Enquirer.