The birth of Jesus brought into the world a new Day of peace. As the scriptures tell us, Jesus is "the Prince of Peace; his dominion is vast and forever peaceful." This too was the conclusion of the Angel's message to the shepherds: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Or as St. Paul states in Ephesians: "For he is our peace. He made the two into one, by dissolving the intermediate wall of separation, of opposition, by his flesh." At the Last Supper Jesus himself said: "Peace I leave you,  my peace I give to you. Not in the way that the world gives, do I give to you." In response to his gift of peace, we can choose to forgive from our hearts, seek reconciliation with others and live in harmony with all, recalling the beatitude that says: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." The gift you have been given, give as a gift.