December – The month for peace

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14)

December brings a chilly, gray looking sky. Colors are muted, and cold weather seems here to stay. Winter solstice arrives toward the end of the month, with the official first day of winter. Even now, days are beginning to lengthen and we can gradually look forward to more daylight.

Though one of the coldest months on our calendar, it is one of the warmest months in our hearts. For it is the month that Jesus was born. He came into the world poor, wrapped in swaddling clothes, His bed a manger. Joseph and Mary, His parents, were far from the comfort of their home the night of His birth, having journeyed to Bethlehem to be counted in a census. Turned away from the inn, they were sent to a stable. There, among common animals, He was born.

The world was changed for all time!

This is a story told many times, but never to grow old. It rings down through centuries, always new and inspiring. For Jesus came to bring peace and love to a weary world. His words and deeds are fresh in our hearts to this very day. The joy of His birth is echoed in the love we share with others.

Sometimes the message of His birth gets lost in commercial trappings of the holiday. It becomes a time of gifts and cards and parties. But we should always remember the real reason for Christmas.

Take time during the holiday festivities to stop and think of Jesus. When His Spirit of Peace becomes a part of our lives, each day will be Christmas, and each night will hold promise of joy in the morning. So find a quiet corner and say a little prayer, a prayer of love and brotherhood for all men.
Usher the old year out by letting your faith shine like a beacon to herald the new year.

Decide right now things are going to be better for you and for your loved ones and that, with God’s help, you will work hard to make it your best year ever!

December 7th – Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the Japanese attack of Pearl

Harbor in 1941, putting the United States into World War ll.

December 25th – Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, and a time for good will toward all men.

December 31st – New Year’s Eve…a time to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new year with anticipation.

The beautiful story of Christmas

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. (Luke 2: 7-14)

Personal Forecast
If you were born in December, you are ambitious and hard working. Your interests are many, and you are curious about many things. You have great self discipline, which makes you a tower of strength to those who depend on you. Don’t be too pessimistic this month. It is a good time to apply yourself, because things will work out well for you if you really try. Your faith in the Lord’s blessings will be rewarded!

A Prayer for December
Dear Lord, I pray now for Your blessing of peace for all mankind, peace that comes from faith we can all work toward a new year of harmony and good will. May everyone be filled with joy in small things, touched by affection and good friends. A truly happy life doesn’t demand wealth or fame. It is sufficient to have enough for each day’s needs, with something left over to share with those less fortunate. It is to be surrounded by dear ones, and to make them glad. It is to love and be loved. To have all this is to be rich beyond measure, and to live in true contentment and peace of mind. This is the month we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Prince of Peace. Let me always remember His lessons, and strive to follow in His way. Teach me to think of other people with understanding, and to live each day fully and trustingly, enfolded in Your love. Please let the coming year find me strong in faith, Lord. Thank You, Precious Father. Amen and Amen.