Inspired by “Child of Peace” by Richard Mekdeci and Sue Riley
“Long ago, a child was born . . . who brought the gift of hope to you and me. Even if you don’t believe, there’s still a gift if you receive it from the heart of the Child of peace.
When a child is born, they bring the gift of peace, an offering from the universe for all to see. In my heart, there is a space, pure and sacred, warm and safe, where the Child of peace is born in me.
And so the seeds of peace are sown in fields of hope where love is grown. Now unto us the light has come, heavens work will soon be done and every soul that’s born will love increase. So, any time you see a child, greet them with a loving smile. Give your heart to the Child of peace.
Child of peace, Pure and sweet, show me how to be a Child of peace.”
Responsive Reading for December 19
After Mary had consented to the prophecy of the Angel Gabriel, she visited her relative, Elizabeth, who was to give birth to John, who would be called the Baptist. Elizabeth blessed Mary: “Most blessed are you among women . . . . For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant [I am carrying] leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk. 1:45).
“Long ago, a child was born . . . who brought the gift of hope to you and me. Even if you don’t believe, there’s still a gift if you receive it from the heart of the Child of peace.”
Telling the shepherds about the birth of Mary’s child, “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people . . . . And this will be a sign for you; you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace …” (Lk. 2:10-14).
“When a child is born, they bring the gift of peace, an offering from the universe for all to see. In my heart, there is a space, pure and sacred, warm and safe, where the Child of peace is born in me.”
So, the shepherds “went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all the things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Lk. 2:15-19).
“And so the seeds of peace are sown in fields of hope where love is grown. Now unto us the light has come, heaven’s work will soon be done and every soul that’s born will love increase. So, any time you see a child, greet them with a loving smile. Give your heart to the Child of peace.”
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout . . . and the holy Spirit was upon him . . . . He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus . . . . he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: ‘Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you prepared in sight of all the people . . . .’ There was also a prophetess, Anna . . . . And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all . . . . The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him” (Lk. 2:40).
“Child of peace, pure and sweet, show me how to be a Child of peace.”