Happy Peace Day!

http://peaceoneday.org/en

This is what the kids at school did to celebrate:

 

Pinwheels for Peace!

We had one student from South America who was not allowed, for religious reasons to wear any peace signs today.  So, I did a little research to figure out why!

Some people believe that the peace sign is an upside down cross - and it was designed by the Roman Emperor Nero after he crucified Peter upside down.  This is most likely why our student wasn't allowed to participate.  Some believe it originated as a Nazi symbol, and others that it was part of various ancient languages.  It seems more reliable - according to my brief research that the peace sign was designed in the 1950's by a British man for the logo of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).  This was then used in the 60's protests, and later make its way into mainstream American culture.

Some other interesting symbols for peace:

Picasso's Dove

The Italian "Pace" flag

And what all does the Bible say about peace?  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)  But Jesus also says, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34)  So, we are to live in peace - but only as God's truth allows:  "Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love." (2 John 1:3)

And - I love this reminder to pray for peace: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!" (Psalm 122:6)

I hope this is a good reminder to pray for some PEACE today!

 

(Peace!)