Peace on Earth by Peter S. Jacobs

Peace on earth. The evangelists spread the word. We have a Christmas holiday to recognise this.

I agree with celebrations. We must all remember our community spirit. That is of the human race.

So, for the holiday, I prepare for all that is needed for this time of peace. I set out for supplies to provide sustenance needed for the festivities and to toast the joys of life. I travel to the supermarket. The cars are bumper to bumper. Everyone is eager to imbibe at this time of joy and serenity. At petrol stations, queues adorn the forecourts. I am sure the price of petrol could be lower having looked at world prices. Never mind, this is only once a year.

Then into the supermarket. Navigating a trolley along the aisles between the shelves fully stocked with provisions that we must not do without. There are those items at special prices all encouraging buying more to ensure enjoyable celebrations. The prices are indeed special. Some items I notice are more expensive than last week. No matter, it is all to commemorate peace on earth.

And then to the check-out. I push the overladen barrow to the queue that is queuing for a queue to the check-out. So be it. It must be the right thing to do. Everybody else is doing the same.

And now at home. The race against time to get everything ready. The decorations must be right. And the outside lights more startling than the neighbours to advertise our peace on earth. The climbing, stretching and manipulating creates presentations of lights that make any bright star look dim. 

The family arrives. The children are full of excitement. The screeching of joy when opening presents, and tasting the delights from the supermarket. The noise never ceases.

The television blares at far too many decibels. To break the monotony of children’s programmes we listen to the news.  Item after item about war, illegal immigration, terrorism and murder on our city streets. But nothing with the warmth of our community.

For my Christmas holiday, I did nearly everything. What I didn’t do though, was see Peace on Earth.