The train to Melbourne is packed with Christmas shoppers. Men busy tapping on laptops, women chatting, children laughing. Santa is coming and the city is celebrating. In Federation Square there is an abundance of red bows, ribbons and green Christmas trees. But the images that fill my mind are not of peace and goodwill but of a sea of flowers in Martin Place in Sydney.

This morning, as I watched the scenes unfold on the TV I remembered how years ago, when something bad happened there was always Mum, with love in her heart, ready to kiss the pain and make it better. How I wish that simple act of love could be applied to the world. In the train I find myself reciting the Global Peace Prayer

We are one global family

All colours, all races, one world united

We yearn for peace, and the healing of our planet

Peace for all nations

Peace for our communities

Peace within ourselves

Let us connect heart to heart

Through our diversity, we recognise our unity

Through our compassion, we recognise peace

Love is the power to transform the world

Let us send it out. Now.

Will my heartfelt nondenominational prayers to the universe help? I like to believe that like a pebble in a pond, the ripples will spread and people of all nations will begin to find their voice. I imagine that tiny ripple becoming a tidal wave that washes away injustice, hatred, anger, fear, misunderstandings, terrorism and war. That what happened in Martin Place will never be repeated. I know. It is naïve. all I know is that I have to believe that attitudes, beliefs and people can change. That peace is possible.

Christmas is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may flow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. (Agnes M Pharo)