MSNBC – New peace in Bethlehem during Christmas Peace is slowly breaking out in the Middle East. Who would have thought? During another turbulent time of occupation and oppression many years ago, a young man and his shamed, pregnant fiancee entered this city, where even relatives wouldn’t give them a place to stay. I’m sure they would have been grateful for the current 20% occupancy rate, but that night it was closer to 100%. There were no armed checkpoint then, but massive governmental shifts that inspired terror in the streets were still the norm. (Witness Herod’s killing of an entire 2 years crop of baby boys as proof.) Amidst the clamor of a census, a baby boy was born that night who would bring peace not only to individuals in his lifetime, but eventually to the whole world. But we don’t have to wait for the realization of his cosmic reign to know his peace. He offers it to us at this moment. Know his peace now and in the coming year. – Andrew