Although it has a religious origin, the message Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men is now a popular saying the world over, especially during the Christmas season when we all tend to be a bit more compassionate and more tolerant of others who may not share our own views.

This year, like every other, we’re reminded that we live in a troubled world. There are major conflicts in too many countries to even begin to list, including the top three las year in terms of casualties, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen and scores of others. It’s a long list. Folks in some of these countries haven’t enjoyed peace for years, and nobody knows if they ever will.  Our own troops have tried, and are still trying, to make a difference, and hopefully can achieve great strides toward providing some sort of peace to these war-torn countries.

Educator/author/speaker Robert Fuller, in his 2012 article, Religion and Science: A Beautiful Friendship, asked a couple of thought-provoking questions: Why are moral precepts, even those that everyone accepts, widely ignored? And why has peace on earth, goodwill toward men not been realized?

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in his 1943 Christmas address to the country, reminded our troops that “we fight for a better day for humankind here and everywhere,’’ calling peace on earth, goodwill toward men an unquenchable spirit.

His message still holds true today, seventy-five years later.

As we celebrate the Christmas season, may we all look forward to a world in which every country, near and far, enjoys peace.  It’s a lofty goal, but one worth pursuing.