It's Christmas Eve and I haven't made my Christmas list. I told everyone that there was nothing I needed that I didn't have, and that is true. But there is a difference between want and need, isn't there? I can't say I really need anything, but what do I want? I have my two front teeth... yes, I wish they were straighter and whiter, but I'm not wearing dentures yet! If I were running for Miss America, I would surely say that I wanted world peace. I can't argue with that wish, wouldn't we all want to have peace, especially since the turmoils of the world seem to be getting closer and closer to each one of us? I'll never be in a beauty pageant; even if I were, how can I effect world harmony? Ultimately, I think a kinder world starts with me.What are the essential ingredients in the recipe for peace? Knowledge, understanding, acceptance, an open mind to differences and realization that we are all one on this earth. I'm sure I could think of more, but these are good places to start. Certainly, Miss America would be wishing for a global peace. I believe, however, that the seeds of peace begin in an individual's heart.Christmas is lauded as a time of 'peace on earth' and 'good will toward men.' What a wonderful sentiment for a time with such a special meaning. For those who believe in the story of Christmas, Jesus' birth represents hope and love.... hope for salvation and the ultimate love of a Father offering his Son as Savior. The whole representation of Jesus' birth in a manger with a bright star overhead, with his parents quietly recognizing the significance of the moment, suggests an aura of peace and tranquility, but also of hope and acceptance. Joseph passed no judgment on Mary's conception; though, we'd have to expect that he'd prefer that he were the father of this baby. Mary, told she would be the Mother of God, ended up giving birth in a stable! If they had expectations of something glorious in physical terms, they surely would have been disappointed, and yet, there is nothing that suggests they were anything but content.There are many allegories to be found in this story, whether you are one to believe it from a historical or religious perspective. One of the most significant figures in the history of man born in the humblest of circumstances. We are told he was visited by kings from the East. They certainly had different facial features and were of faith different from the one he was born into, and the one to later be founded in his name. Is the Judeo-Christian God suggesting that we can live with people from other cultures, other faiths? Is this not an important part of the Christmas story? Catholics don't consider the Christmas season to be over until the Epiphany... the arrival of the three kings. We learn about the gifts brought to the baby Jesus, but have we thought about what that encounter means in terms of good will toward men?We many not be in a position to convince the religions of the world to live in harmony; however, we can build bridges one step at a time. Suppose we start with a person we know or meet with a diagnosis of mental illness. Society may have convinced us that they are different and, therefore, to be shunned. If we were to look at any person who seems different as a metaphor of the first Christmas, it's possible that we could see them as the Magi saw that baby... someone deserving of the gifts of understanding, acceptance and respect. One step, one person at a time.What if we let go of our expectations of what another person is like, and instead, learned about them, tried to understand them, and accepted them as they were? Maybe that one act of acceptance, that one time that we ignored our biases, would be a catalyst for the foundation of that peace we seek, first within ourselves, and then in a broader harmony portended by that first Christmas Day.During this very special season, I wish you the clarity of an open heart, the acceptance of all, and the understanding that peace begins with each of us. May the upcoming new year bring you Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,Debbie