According to multiple sources, the song was written by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller in 1955, and was first introduced at a youth retreat and sung by the International Children’s Choir. It was later made famous by singers like Vince Gill in 1993 as well as others in later years.

But the message of the lyrics remains as simple and as profound as when it was originally written:

“Let there be peace on earth

“And let it begin with me;

“Let there be peace on earth,

“The peace that was meant to be.

“With God as our Father

“Brothers all are we,

“Let me walk with my brother

“In perfect harmony.

“Let peace begin with me,

“Let this be the moment now;

“With every step I take,

“Let this be my solemn vow:

“To take each moment and live each moment

“In peace eternally.

“Let there be peace on earth

“And let it begin with me.”

We live in a world where too often it feels like peace is far away or unattainable, a sentiment showcased in today’s editorial cartoon by Steve Kelley.

But I think we also find something in the holiday season that makes us yearn for the “peace that was meant to be.”

So how do we make it a reality?

The song certainly has a great place to start: Let it begin with us.

Our hyper-digital society makes it all too easy to start conflicts, often with very little in the way of repercussions. Just go on social media and make inflammatory statements or argue with strangers. Or, even worse, get involved with ultra-partisan political debates.

These things are everywhere … on our phones, computers, televisions, even in local city meetings. Even during the holidays, family gatherings, company parties or even a night out with friends can devolve into arguments and debates if the wrong subjects come up.

It’s no wonder we find ourselves sucked into the trap of increasing conflict instead of building peace.

I think it requires a conscious effort to refuse to judge or attack others and instead focus on understanding.

This week I received a guest opinion submission from PeaceVoice and Conflict Transformation professor Dr. Melinda Burrell.

Part of her recommendations talked about setting time to discuss important but potentially controversial topics and having some groundwork, including spending the first five minutes not trying to convince anyone but just trying to understand. She said, “In my research, people mainly want to feel listened to and respected rather than attacked.”

People come to the table (both literally and metaphorically) with their own experiences and analytical processes, which likely differ from our own. Why would one be more right than the other?

Burrell explained that we’re “hardwired to need to feel respected, connected to others, and treated fairly. When that happens, we are relaxed and open-minded – good for a cross-divide conversation. When that doesn’t, we feel threatened and can shut down or lash out.”

That resonated with me, because I’ve felt those very sentiments in my own conversations with colleagues, family and friends.

It’s amazing what a difference it makes when someone takes the time to really listen to me or I take the time to really listen to them.

So my challenge this holiday season is to find a way to take a break from your personal or political crusades. Instead of striving to change the mind of that neighbor or co-worker who has different views on politics or sports or anything else, give them the gift of few minutes of listening and trying understand why they see things how they do.

I think you will see a real difference if you do.

And, in doing so, I believe you will find more peace in your own heart and the hearts of those around you.