Peace on Earth

I know, I know...it's not December yet. We're not yet officially allowed to obsess over things like peace and happiness and goodwill. That comes after turkey gluttony. I don't care if it is not December. Tonight, I want to speak about the peace of a righteous life. Peace is one of the greatest gifts of God. I believe in God, and I believe in his Son, the Prince of Peace. He is my Savior. So when I feel peace in my life, then I know that comes from Him. How do I know what brought the peace? The Lord has told us: "And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to the law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:21)

All good gifts come from God. He is incapable of giving a bad gift. All evil comes from the devil. He is incapable of giving a good gift. (Moroni 7). Peace is a good gift, therefore it comes from God. Contrary to secular wisdom, peace is neither accidental nor man-made. Indeed: "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (D&C 59:21) So, if we seek peace in our lives and in the world, what must we do? Confess his hand in the workings of the world and obey his commandments.

Now, when it comes to Christmas, things can get a bit tricky. Tying in to what I spoke about yesterday, frugality can help you seek the Christmas Spirit. Secular interests try very hard to make a lot of money around Christmas. Marketing is used to stir up our discontent and focus our hearts and our minds on stuff instead of people. If you listen to something designed to make you discontent, you will have a hard time feeling peace.

There are many things important at this time of year: family, service, selflessness and love. Try and take the time to tune out the clamoring crowd and seek that inward voice of peace. Once you find that voice inside yourself, then you can share it with others: "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead to people to do that which was just...[they] thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God." (Alma 31:5)

Sometimes the most powerful preaching we'll ever do is through our actions. Often the most powerful teaching we'll have do is inside the walls of our home. Remember that this holiday season. God bless us all.