As signs pointing to a war with Iraq increase daily, the Rev. William Dearman told parishioners that peace is a gift that is longed for, not merely a phrase to be used without meaning.  He cited the phrases "peace on Earth" and "good will toward men."

"Those are wonderful words," Dearman said.  "But we also hear peace on Earth and good will toward men in the midst of the talk of war, which some see as inevitable and justified.  But we keep saying peace on Earth."

The crowd of less than 20 people took part in hymns and readings.  Steve Dunlop of Tappan, who brought his 1-year-old son David, read a passage from Isaiah.

Later, he said that during this holiday season he is reflecting on two kinds of peace.

"Peace of one's heart, only God can give you, I believe," Dunlop said.  "For peace of the world, we are depending upon our leaders and we pray that God guides them."

Joe Costa of Nyack, who attended the service with his wife Sally, said the holiday spirit continues and said he was delighted by yesterday's service.

There is a feeling of festivity from Christmas Day to the Feast of the Epiphany or feast of the magi on Jan. 6, Costa said.  The feast marks the time when three wise men known as "Magi" arrived at the manger in Bethlehem.

We're sort of still on a Christmas high," Costa said.  "Christmas is not a 24-hour event.  Unlike the radio, we don't stop Christmas music the day after Christmas.  It's much more significant."

Musical accompaniment was provided by Victor Powell of Palisades, who filled in for the regular organist, who was ill.  The concert pianist and piano teacher recently celebrated his 96th birthday and said playing the organ and piano gives him much-needed strength.

"I have arthritis, but it doesn't keep me from playing," he said.

Powell also said he is hoping for peace as an attack against Iraq remains a distinct possibility.

Diana Jordan, who lives near the church said the ancient themes of the Bible are still relavent today.

"Those huge questions don't change," she said.  "What is love and compassion?  What does belief mean in your life?  How do you live and act in the face of war?  These questions affect people of all religions in determining how they see themselves and how they relate better to others."

Dearman concluded his sermon by saying people shouldn't fear that searching for God is beyond their ability.  He said the search for God is not reserved for shepherds or angels, but rather includes every person.

"All of us have a gift from God and that gift is the ability to discover God hiding in our lives and the willingness to give of ourselves to any of God's children who we can help," he said.  "When we possess the gift of seeing God in others and then serve others in God's name, then truly Christmas has come upon us in its fullest."

by Alan Zeitlin
Special to the Journal News
December 26th, 2002