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Christmas and the Golden Rule

Two millennia ago, angels sang out in heavenly triumph, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). The Savior is still the Prince of Peace. So, why is there so little good will now?

Why in our day do we live with wars and rumors of war? Why do we have pestilence and plagues approaching epidemic proportions? Explain to me, if you please, the logic of weapons of mass destruction. Why? Terrorists, why do we have them and their twisted minds?

Why is it that people will be decimated by disease and starvation? Why do earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, fires, floods, and other disasters increase and ruin lives and property? Why is it that there are those who ruin the land for greed?

What has happened to us? Has our world gone crazy? Why is there so much anger and hate? Why are there so many people so unhappy and so much heartbreak and abuse in homes? It is because we have not understood!

There is a doctrine of the Prince of Peace so little considered, but so powerful in scope that if applied would literally change our world. Other than his Atonement, there is perhaps no other teaching so closely connected with the Lord’s ministry. The awesome power to change our lives, our families, and our world lies in a simple formula.

He said, “…all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them…” (Matthew 7:12). As the love of men waxes cold, think of the global warming of hearts that would come if all men treated each other as they would want to be treated? How should I treat my wife and children? I treat them like I would want them to treat me. To do this, I must place myself in their minds and hearts and then act.

I know that some will scoff and say that this is nothing more than words in the wind and that it’s not practical. Please explain to me how war is practical. Where have threats, hate, envy, and greed ever made the world better? I’m not saying there’s not a time to fight, but if we are going to fight, let’s do it on the Lord’s terms.

When an adulterous woman was thrown at Christ’s feet to be condemned, He wouldn’t. When others shunned publicans and harlots, He wouldn’t. When the disciples wanted to send away a pleading Gentile woman, He wouldn’t. While everyone else ran from a man possessed with a legion of devils, Jesus went to him and healed him. And, as for vengeance, when He suffered and bled in Gethsemane, He didn’t come out of that bitter and resenting us, but loved us all the more.

He was beaten, mocked, spit upon, and pierced in His brow with thorns. His words were twisted and His garments were stripped from Him in public. Yet, with quiet dignity, He stood it, returning good for evil, love for hate. He did not give those who meant him harm what they wanted, but gave them what they really needed. As the Romans crucified Him, He asked that they be forgiven.

The golden rule, not the rule of gold, was the rule of the Savior’s life. Can anyone doubt that He changed the world for good? My friends, returning hate for hate only breeds more hate.

Where are you Christmas? Why have you gone away? Why can’t we keep you all year long? We can!

The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ. This year, don’t lose it. Love thy neighbor as thyself, is the law, and the golden rule is how we do it. This year, give the real gift of gold, the golden rule. Shake this world to its core. Start with your family, and let love become a global epidemic. It will work! I promise. Peace and good will will come. Merry Christmas, and God Bless us to follow His example.