One startling statistic reveals that less than 8% of human history is considered peaceful. Of the several thousand years of recorded history, only about three hundred years appear to have been times when most of the world was in a state of relative tranquility.

Concerning the coming of Christ, John the Baptist once declared to the crowds he baptized: “I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11, ESV).

Oddly enough, March 15th marks the made-up holiday Everything You Think Is Wrong Day. No one knows exactly how it originated, but the day is intended to remind people that they are not always right.

Most of us, at some point, have driven past a caution sign that reads, “Slow: Children at Play.” Obviously, it serves as a reminder to stay alert and vigilant, as children may be playing near the road.

When I was about nine years old, my family lived in a house built in the early 1900s. In the winter, we used kerosene heaters to stay warm, and in the summer, we left the windows open to keep cool.

In 2008, I traveled to Brazil for a summer internship. It is a very beautiful country with a rather large Catholic influence. I remember traveling one day with a youth mission group to a city known for its shopping and Catholic churches.

The late actor and performer Will Rogers once said, “If 'pro' is the opposite of 'con,' what is the opposite of Congress?”