Finding the love of the season

I recently attended an open town hall meeting and to be honest it was the worse example of humanity communicating among itself. While growing up I witnessed up front and personal navy boot camp, army officer candidate school, two session on the Louisiana Legislature and literally hundreds of projects meetings around the world. Nothing compared to what was witnessed last week.
At times I had to defend my beautiful state and region from those ignorant of Louisiana and especially this wonderful parish. On a couple of occasions the discussion became heated to a point that it almost turned physical. I loved this state and was fiercely proud of it. As I got older my ace card came into fruition. When asked, “Name one thing that Louisiana has to offer” to which I said “Carl Malone”. That ended the discussion,
Then when I sat in the town meeting I asked myself, “My God, were all those people over all those years actually correct”. Reality did come into focus and I realized that I still live in the greatest state enclosed with some of the most beautiful scenery and surrounded by some of the greatest people on this planet. I am blessed as we all are but we must ask ourselves how can we navigate peace when in a hostile meeting. Fortunately there is some guidance we can follow.
Navigating peace in a hostile meeting is a delicate art. Here are some strategies that might help:
Stay Calm: Maintain your composure. Reacting with anger or frustration can escalate the situation.
Active Listening: Show that you’re listening by nodding and making eye contact. This can de-escalate tension.
Acknowledge Emotions: Validate the feelings of others, even if you don’t agree with their perspective.
Use “I” Statements: Express your views without blaming others, for example, “I feel concerned when…”
Seek Common Ground: Find areas of agreement to create a foundation for constructive dialogue.
Christmas is a very special time. It is more than a date on a calendar and far more than the normal trappings we associate with the holiday. It has the power to stop wars and has the ability to encourage love. So how do we find love during Christmas when living in a Christian community. This can be special and very meaningful. Here are some ways to connect with others and possibly find love during this festive season.

Attend Church Services: Many churches have special Christmas services and events. These are great opportunities to meet new people who share your faith and values.
Volunteer: Get involved in community service or charity events. Helping others can create a sense of camaraderie and opens doors to new friendships and relationships.
Join Holiday Activities: Participate in church or community holiday events like Christmas plays, caroling, or holiday markets. These activities can bring people together in a joyful and relaxed setting.
Engage in Online Communities: Many Christian communities have online groups and forums where you can connect with like-minded individuals, especially during holiday seasons.
During this holiday period, take the time to explore and discover peace. There are different types of peace and whatever makes a person feel good is all that matters. Finding peace during Christmas in a Christian community can be truly special. Here are some ideas to help you find that tranquility and deeper connection:
Reflect on the True Meaning: Spend time in prayer or meditation, focusing on the spiritual significance of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ. Reflecting on this can bring a profound sense of peace.
Join Worship Services: Participate in church services and events. The communal worship and festive activities can enhance your sense of belonging and peace.
Advent Devotions: Engage in daily Advent readings or devotionals. This can help you stay centered and spiritually grounded throughout the season.
Serve Others: Volunteer for community service or church charity events. Helping those in need often brings a sense of fulfillment and peace.
Simplify Your Celebrations: Focus on simple, meaningful traditions rather than overwhelming yourself with excessive plans or materialism.
Connect with Loved Ones: Spend quality time with family and friends, sharing joy and love. Nurturing these relationships can bring great peace.
Quiet Time: Make time for silence and solitude. A peaceful walk, reading scripture, or simply sitting quietly can help you find inner peace amidst the holiday hustle.
Remember, the essence of Christmas is about love, hope, and peace. Embrace these values and let them guide you through the season. What traditions or activities bring you the most peace during Christmas?
God Bless America, God Save the Ukraine and Pray for Israel.