Where Is Peace?

             Donald Trump is one of few Presidents of the United States who did not enter or start a major war. In fact, he was willing to give Iran the benefit of a doubt when it shot down an airliner by mistake. Iran is again lobbing missiles into Iraq, and we do not yet know how the situation will end. Iran has sworn to destroy Israel, and numerous Arab nations have recognized that aligning with Israel against Iran is the better option.

Trump has not only kept the United States out of war, but he is also making history in working for peace in the Middle East. In less than six months, four different Arab nations have made peace deals with Israel. Morocco joined the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan as the fourth Arab country to normalize relationships with Israel in recent months.

To put these peace deals in perspective, the last United States-brokered peace deal in the Middle East took place more than 25 years ago during the administration of Bill Clinton. The peace deal was brokered in Dayton, Ohio, and the formal agreement was signed in Paris on December 14, 1995, by the presidents of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. Clinton and several dozen other world leaders were present for the signing. 

It is nice to live in a world without war, but we can feel peace whether war is raging or not. Peace comes from Jesus Christ and through His gospel. It is made possible by “the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the ministration of the Holy Ghost, and our own righteousness, sincere repentance, and diligent service.” 

Even when the world is in turmoil all around us, we can receive the blessing of inner peace. This blessing will continue with us as we stay true to our testimony of the gospel and as we remember that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and watch over us.

In addition to feeling peace ourselves, we can be an influence for peace in our families, our community, and the world. We work for peace when we keep the commandments, give service, care for family members and neighbors, and share the gospel. We work for peace whenever we help relieve the suffering of another.

            Before His death, Jesus Christ promised His apostles that He would send the Holy Ghost to them. The Holy Ghost would teach them “all things, and bring all things to [their] remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). He reassured His followers that they would not be alone. Then He added these beautiful words: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

We can have inner peace even in a world of turmoil if we remember Jesus Christ and follow Him as true disciples. Christmas is a time of peace because it is a time when we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, even Jesus Christ. This is a time when we can work for peace in our marriages and families as well as our communities and nation. Peace comes through following the Prince of Peace.