Trust on Earth

The United Nations has declared 2021 “The Year of International Peace and Trust.” Coming after the controversial presidential election in the United States, many people are wondering if there will be peace in our country and whether we can ever trust again.

It’s been said that trusting requires a leap of faith —believing in or attempting something whose existence or outcome cannot be proved.

Christmas is all about trust in faith. Mary, an unmarried teenager, trusts the word of the angel that her child is the Son of God who will save all of mankind. When Joseph learns that his betrothed is expecting, he plans to dismiss her but believes the Angel Gabriel’s message that Joseph should trust Mary. When the Magi set out in search of the Child King, they trust that the bright star will lead them to the right place.

Christmas also is all about peace on earth and goodwill toward men. After all, it is the birthday of the Prince of Peace. The refrains can be heard in all the seasonal songs. Peace on earth is the gift we all want. But we won’t find it in a brightly wrapped box under our tree. No angel will tell us in a dream that we just need to trust. Creating peace and trusting one another require us to take action.

Let’s take the Christmas feelings of peace and trust into the new year. Let go of the anger that caused by the recent political campaigns and pledge to work together for the good of all people. For it is only through compromise and trust in each other, our policymakers and our political system can we make 2021 the year of international peace and trust.