At this time of year there is so much hustle and bustle, so much busy-ness, so much commotion from parking lots, and shoppers, and piped-in music.  But then, at about midnight on December 24, it all comes to a halt.  There is a silence that blankets the community.  A stillness settles as we all come home, and find peace.  The stores close, the streets are mostly empty, and the only music we hear outside is from nature.  This is a time of rest.  It is a time for love and gratitude and gathering our thoughts.  It is a time to reflect, to appreciate, to share, and simply to be.  It is a reminder to us that this peace is within us at all times, we only have to notice it to benefit from it.  Today, and every day, may we each and every one of us experience peace on earth.