‘TIS THE SEASON OF PEACE AND GOODWILL. Nearly every faith tradition has chosen this time of year to focus on the vision of Peace on Earth. How we all long for that. And how the animals and all of nature long for that. A Christian hymn prays for “goodwill to men.” Nearly all celebrations and prayers for peace, as we know, will be referring to human beings only. The many ironies we face every day as we hear pleas for lovingkindness to people but little or nothing for animals, are suddenly amplified at this time of year. Behind the scenes of the celebrations, and invisible to most, lie slaughtered animals, cows mourning for lost babies, sheep tortured for their wool, animals skinned, feathers ripped. Extremely violent toys, sometimes made by slave labor, are sold by the billions for gifts. And wars against people rage on causing “collateral damage” to the animals and plants who live near the battle zones. Peace is missing, but the answer has been revealed throughout the ages. “Goodwill to men” alone will never bring peace. It must be freely given to all the living. And that’s where we come in.

PRAYERS THIS WEEK FOR PEACE ON EARTH FOR ALL BEINGS. As always, when there is a worldwide upwelling of prayers for peace and love, we take these opportunities to tap into that intensified energy field and expand it out beyond humanity to embrace all beings. As the powerful energy of Pure and Divine Love rises from the hearts of all people at this special time of year, let us feel this same Love pouring through us. And as it pours through us and out to the wider world, let us know that we can send it out beyond just humanity to all beings. Let us feel the peace of a forest white with snow, the stillness of a lake laced with frosty patterns, the warmth of a mother bear and her youngsters snuggled in their den together, the quiet beauty of a rabbit nibbling on green grass. This peace is real and helps us know that this same peace is possible in every human heart and soul. We pray this week for connections—that human beings will awaken to the truth—that—yes, we can have peace on earth—but first we must be willing to give it to all. May all beings be free from human domination and exploitation, may all beings feel our prayers for them and know that we will continue this great work until all are free and we finally attain peace on earth and goodwill to all beings.

As always, I send my thanks to each of you, dear Prayer Circle members, for

May Divine Wisdom, the animals’ grace, and our true hearts guide us toward ahimsa, peace, liberation, and lovingkindness for all. As always, I send my thanks to each of you, dear Prayer Circle members, for joining this circle of compassion and shining the Light of Truth for all to see, so that one day soon, all beings will live in peace together.

With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy Carman, and greetings from Will, Madeleine, Tara and the Circle of Compassion team

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