I took a sip of coffee and glanced at my "To Do" list. Write ANOE (A Note of Encouragement, for the uninitiated). "OK. What's the message this time? What's on your heart? Seriously. I've got nothing."

God took a sip of coffee. (I admit to an active imagination) "Read the newspaper," He said.

"I don't have time. I've got to write the Note."

"Read the newspaper."

"But millions of desperate souls are waiting for the next..."

"Read the stinking newspaper!" (OK, maybe He didn't say it exactly like that.)

I pulled up the newspaper on my phone. The front page had the daily articles of fraud, deception, waste, crime. Nothing new there. Just different faces and names. I glanced at every page, even those in the sports section. Many of the same articles there as well.

Then my hand twitched. The image shifted to the Living Section. In the middle of the page was a picture of a chapel and underneath, the words "Place of Peace, Prayer, Biscotti". The article was about the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia.

Memories flooded my mind---the beautiful chapel, robed monks, and a dining hall filled with aromas of chocolate and freshly baked bread. Foremost was the warm, smiling face of Father Francis who once led the tours. I hadn't been there in years, but even from afar the Monastery brings peace.

I looked at my Heavenly Father. "Thanks. I needed this. But what should I write about." A line in the article caught my eye. Noting the peace of the monks, one lady said, "That peacefulness brings you to a place of love, and what is love if you keep it to yourself?" That got me thinking.

The monks' peace is not some calm, meditative state, but the result of a committed relationship with God. The Father's peace grows from the indwelling of His spirit, sent by His Son, Jesus, who happens to be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This Prince of Peace calls us to a place of love...not a building or location, but a good and noble heart (Luke 8:15).

Yet the question remains: What is love if you keep it to yourself? The Prince of Peace has answered. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). Loving others is the sign we follow Jesus. Such love is different from that offered by the world.

When Jesus was born, He came with a purpose---to be the example of true love. Such love is patient and kind, doesn't envy or boast, is not proud, rude, self-serving, or easily angered. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). And it always reaches out to others.

What is love if we keep it to ourselves? Meaningless. Worthless. Heartless.

In Ciloa, every day we see sorrow, pain, grief, doubt and fear. "Encouraging one another" is not so much for the strong, but the weak who struggle each day...for whom peace seems only a dream.

This season, remember the One who entered the world and called your name. Let others see that you follow Him. Love them. Share His peace. After all, Christmas is not about us. It's about Him.