Gazing at the letter on the table, Theresa murmured herself if only she could come back home this Christmas? Theresa tried to repress her inner feelings. Then, her eyes swam in tears.

The early winter air was chilling. Every gust of cold wind seemed to pierce Theresa's very bones. It made her homesick. She wished to come back to her homeland where she and her siblings lived innocently and merrily. Just thinking about it, tears rolled thick and fast down her cheek.

Days, weeks, and months went by. Autumn just wore on. Winter was coming. Regardless of how busy life on earth was, everyone was expecting Christmas season. In schools, the final exams were soon going to be over. Theresa longed for a coming vacation. She wished to enjoy a joyous season of Christmas.

Here and there in the campus there was Christmas festival posters posted on the bulletin board. The campus was crowded with students eagerly watching the brochures and posters. Some students were looking happy and contented with their journey home. Others were taking careful notes of Christmas festival programs. In silence, Theresa wondered, how am I going to spend my Christmas holiday?

And then, Theresa got encouraged to write letters and send cards to her family. While Theresa was admiring the most beautiful card for her beloved parents, she heard the carols singing from the electronic cards. Theresa's heart sank at the thought of the coming icy and snowy winter days in this remote place. She became afraid of these days.

Somehow, Theresa was in remembrance of the shepherds who lived out in the fields at Bethlehem. While keeping watch out the flocks at night, the shepherds were terrified at the appearance of God's angels. At the very moment, they were encouraged when the angle of God told them, "Don't be afraid. I bring you Good News of great joy that will be for all the people." Indeed, the Good News was about Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus came to the earth as a Holy Infant of Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago, bringing lasting peace of mind and soul to Theresa and mankind. At this point, Theresa found herself encouraged from Jesus - Prince of Peace.

If you would like to know more about Prince of Peace, please click here.

Esther L., December 19, 2001