The Homefront: We’re today’s angels of peace and good will

D. Louise Brown
If ever there was a story with variations on a theme, it’s the Nativity story — the story of the birth of baby Jesus. Most versions include the same basic parts and pieces: a tired mom, a worried dad, an inn, a stable, some animals, then a star, then shepherds and finally wisemen.
And angels. Lots of angels. In fact, in almost every version, one angel in particular shines forth, telling the world (starting with the locals) about the birth of the baby, and what that would bring to the world.
I wonder what it would have been like to be THAT angel — the one who delivered lines like “Good tidings of great joy” intended “for all people.” The other angels sang — angelically, of course. But that angel got to speak — to share a message. The story says he delivered not only the news of the newborn baby to the stunned shepherds, but along with the “multitude” of angels, he proclaimed that because this baby was born, the world would be blessed with peace on earth and good will toward men.
This is where the story gets a bit fuzzy. Did the angels mean those shepherds should shoulder the responsibility of the world’s peace and good will? Likely not. Did the angels mean heaven would automatically send peace and good will forever? History says otherwise. So how would global peace and good will come about?
The story says the angels delivered their message, then left. But their words remained as an invitation to the world’s people to BE the angels who deliver good tidings of great joy, of peace and good will. Every day. Everywhere. In every setting.
Even in a sometimes chaotic, strident world, peace and good will are possible when we — today’s angels — deliver comforting messages like “I forgive you.” “I’m sorry.” “You were right.”
Those messages can be part of our everyday living: I found your purse … your phone … your dog.
You did your best and that’s enough.
The test is positive.
The test is negative.
A kid your age moved in next door.
I paid for your meal tab.
It’s a girl. It’s a boy. It’s a girl and a boy.
You’re a great mom. You’re a great dad. You’re a great kid.
I got the job.
That was a good meal; I’ll do the dishes.
Thanks for clean laundry.
Thanks for taking care of this family.
You do good work.
Your son (or daughter) is very kind … creative … thoughtful.
Thanks for hanging up your coat. Thanks for hanging up my coat.
You take that chair; I’ll find another one.
Thanks for being such a good friend.
Don’t give up — you’ll get it right.
You’ve been on my mind today.
I put gas in your car.
Do you need a hug?
Or the ultimate peacemaking, good will statement: The last cookie is yours.
We don’t have wings or bright lights or angelic singing to emphasize our words, but we don’t need them to deliver meaningful messages, based on the need we see in others, grounded in peace, designed to create good will. We can bless each other just as powerfully.
So. Like your mom always said: Be an angel.
D. Louise Brown lives in Layton. She writes a biweekly column for the Standard-Examiner.