Finding Peace on Earth

Written by Amy Thomas, LCAT, MT-BC, C-DBT

As we wind down 2021 with all its twists and turns we look toward a new year. Most people look forward with hope, that life might be easier, less chaotic, and filled with family, friends, good health and happiness. Christmas and Holiday cards send best wishes for a joyous and peaceful new year. There is a very real hunger and thirst for peace, for peace on this earth.

If we look at the ranking of the 20 most peaceful countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index 2021, we will find that the top three countries are Iceland, New Zealand, and Denmark. If you reside in the United States of America, you will find that it is not listed in the top 20. So, unless we plan to relocate, we will need to find ways of finding peace on earth right where we live.

The song Let There Be Peace on Earth was written in 1955. The folksong movement of the 1950s through the ’70s produced many songs known for their ease of singing, clear texts, and prophetic messages. The words were written by Jill Jackson and the melody by her husband Sy Miller. The development of these lyrics came from a powerful story of discovery.

In an interview with Jill she shared the following. “When I attempted suicide [in 1944] and I didn’t succeed,” she said, “I knew for the first-time unconditional love, which God is. You are totally loved, totally accepted, just the way you are. In that moment I was not allowed to die, and something happened to me, which is very difficult to explain. I had an eternal moment of truth, in which I knew I was loved, and I knew I was here for a purpose.” It was approximately ten years later when the couple took their song and their story to a California retreat in the mountains. The retreat was attended by a large group of young people with various socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. During the retreat the focus was developing friendships through building relationships through the offering of many educational and musical opportunities.

Sharing these lyrics with the youth at the retreat allowed for them to discover the importance of overcoming societal boundaries. Friendship and love know no bounds, and this understanding is an origin of peace. Can you imagine 180 teenagers standing in a circle, locking arms, and singing this with united voices?

Let there be peace on Earth
And let it begin with me.
With God our creator,
Family all are we.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.

The simplicity of the song’s meaning, peace on Earth begins with you and me, spread as they returned home from the retreat. Over time it was heard across the globe. Over the years it has been recorded by many artists. We thought it was appropriate and special to share this rendition by the Voices of Hope Children’s Virtual Choir.

Did you know, from 11:30 p.m. on December 31st to 12:30 a.m. on January 1st each year, is recognized as the Universal Hour of Peace? The day encourages the promotion of peaceful activities during the hour of observance. What can we do on this day and the following days to live out and share the message of peace? It begins with us.