Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

What She Said

Home
Family, Parenting and Religion
Let There Be Peace on Earth!

Let There Be Peace on Earth!

Last updated on: December 16, 2011 at 8:41 pm by Anna Quinn

Let There Be Peace on Earth! 2011-12-16T20:41:29-05:00 Anna Quinn

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

‘Tis the season!

Once a year our physical mailboxes get more attention than our email inboxes. Here come the Christmas cards!

Oh, the dilemmas! Do we send a picture? Should it include us or just the kids? (Really, does everyone need to know about those extra 10 pounds?) Do we look happy enough? Do we look too happy? How much do we say? What about our struggles? Our accomplishments? How do we sum a year in a card?

We sent my favorite card ever ten years ago—before the digital era (and the arrival of the other half of our family). In my young mom wisdom, I attempted taking the Christmas card picture in the back yard after church since the boys were already dressed up. Clever, huh? They were also tired and hungry. The photo session quickly dissolved into a fight.

I picked up the prints at our local Walgreens, praying that at least one would look decent. One of them just had to show our cute boys, smiling happily, representing our beautiful, problem-less family.

And there it was! The two boys sat, turned to face each other. The younger one had his face twisted in anger as he pinched his brother’s arm. The older one’s arm was raised in mid-air, about to come in for the smack.

And I sent it. After all, that’s who we really are. We are squabbling children, caught between the now and the not yet–awaiting rescue from ourselves, awaiting our Savior.

Inside it read:

The wolf shall also dwell with the lamb,

The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,

The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;

And a little child shall lead them.

Isaiah 11:6

Maybe Isaiah should have included, “Small boys will play happily together.”

The grandparents were a little horrified at the card, but our young parent friends thought it was hilarious. More than one friend confided, “I loved your card! It’s still on the fridge.” They could all relate. Isn’t it marvelous to know we are not alone and that someday relief will come? One day the lion will play with lamb and a little child shall lead them.

He is coming! Hallelujah! Merry Christmas!

Previous Post

December 15, 2011

Singing the Down on Myself Blues

Next Post

December 16, 2011 My Gift

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which Christian group follows the teachings of John Calvin?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Quaker Catholic Presbyterian Orthodox