Peace on earth...

With doubt cast in recent years as to whether Jesus was the product of a virgin birth, whether he was born in Bethlehem and even if the three wise men were kings, three in number, wise or even men; it's nice to be able to hold on to the theme of peace at this time of year. It's comforting.

Peace on earth... or so goes the Christmas message. Have a look at any Christmas carol or nativity story and you'll more than likely find the word peace sooner or later. The birth of Jesus ushered in a new chapter; gone was the vengeful and warring God of the Old Testament, swept aside by the new caring, merciful God of the New Testament. Yahweh had undergone a make-over.

With the birth of His son he mellowed; fatherhood gave Him a softer edge. Out went the aggressive Jeremy Paxman image to be replaced by a cuddlier Eamonn Holmes character. And He hasn't looked back since that first Christmas. Indeed, the festive season has long been associated with forgiveness, kindness and generosity. Legend has it that on Christmas Day in 1915 the German and British soldiers put down their guns and put aside their differences for a festive game of football in No-Man's-Land.

The message of peace has rung down the ages and stands as a bright and guiding torch in the depths of winter; a beacon on which to fix our gaze as we enter another year wondering what it will bring. It forms the core of many a leader's yuletide message; a cardinal point on our moral compasses. How then to explain this fighting between rival groups of Greek Orthodox and Armenian clerics at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.

Doesn't give much hope for the  rest of us, does it?