The human heart cries out for peace, but there are so many warring factions in the world today, it hardly seems possible that lasting peace could ever be established.

Yet nations in the Middle East that have been enemies for years are showing a willingness to come together and talk, to try to settle differences. This is certainly encouraging, yet it will take much more than words to heal deep animosities and fears. There will need to be a radical change of thought and outlook if lasting peace is to be achieved.

During the Persian Gulf war, people of goodwill around the globe prayed for a resolution to the terrible conflict. The power of prayer was felt on the domestic front as well as in the battle zone. The Sentinel of July 1 printed "Letters from the Persian Gulf" (page 20). They recounted how prayer had helped service men and women to feel the tangible reality of God, divine Spirit, during the war.

One could feel that the writers of these letters had deeper concerns than their own personal safety; they were thinking in broader terms than nationalistic loyalties or sides. One person wrote: "If anything, this situation has brought to light an urgency about the need for prayer in the world.

"This battle, this war, cannot be won by surgical airstrikes or any material means. We are not fighting 'Iraq.' We are fighting oppression and death and robbery and egotism and cheating and immorality, no matter what their location—in the Persian Gulf or in an office in Chicago. We must fight evil—the erroneous suggestion that man is living in a world of his own apart from God—no matter what form or size it takes. This is the only way to true world peace—constantly, consistently to practice goodness."

It is crucial that we continue to pray for peace and continue to live these prayers. If we commit ourselves to this, each one of us can find new capacities for good that will help to bring healing to troubled areas around the world. Prayer brings to light an entirely new reality—the reality of a loving Father-Mother God, who holds His spiritual family in perfect harmony at all times.

Christ Jesus came to show mankind this reality and how it comes into our lives. For Christians, Christmas is a time of goodwill. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah spoke of the Messiah, who would also be known as "The Prince of Peace"—a ruler who would come to establish peace on earth. The prophet says of him, "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever."

Jesus' life fulfilled this prophecy. He lived the peace of God, healed the sick, and brought comfort to people. But he taught that God's kingdom is not a political kingdom. Jesus proved that God's rule is already established—without interruption—and that He governs His spiritual creation with wisdom and in perfect harmony.

When we glimpse something of the divine fact that man in God's likeness is not a warring mortal but is the son of God, remarkable things begin to happen. We begin to experience more of God's government in our lives; we feel the peace of God reigning in our hearts. One can always recognize someone who feels God's presence and love. He is at peace with himself and at ease with his neighbors. He is able to bring to view the reality of good in troubled situations.

Jesus said, "My peace I give unto you." Yet spiritual peace is not passive; Jesus told his followers to be peacemakers, to arm themselves with the authority of God and the power of His Christ. True peace comes from a deeper understanding of God's righteous government. As we strive to live in accordance with Christ, Truth, which Jesus exemplified so perfectly, our homes and our communities will feel this peacemaking.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered and founded Christian Science, wrote several articles on the subject "Peace and War." They are recorded in The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany. Here is an extract from one of them, published in The Boston Globe, December 1904. Its message is still timely today: "Christian Science reinforces Christ's sayings and doings. The Principle of Christian Science demonstrates peace. Christianity is the chain of scientific being reappearing in all ages, maintaining its obvious correspondence with the Scriptures and uniting all periods in the design of God."

Mrs. Eddy concludes, "God is Father, infinite, and this great truth, when understood in its divine metaphysics, will establish the brotherhood of man, end wars, and demonstrate 'on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

We will see God's design for this age more clearly when we learn to live in peace as members of God's universal family. Let's prove our brotherhood this Christmas season and throughout the year by finding ways to share more generously God's priceless gift of peace.

Ann Kenrick