Luke 2:15 (NIV)
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”
We just watched a row of Presidential candidates politely (for the most part) disagreeing. The shepherds, on the other hand, appear to have been in total agreement.
“Then let us all in one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord.”
from The First Noel, traditional English carol
At least for Christmas, let us put aside our disagreements and unite in our worship of Christ.
I’ve found that disagreements that can’t be handled in politeness are best handled with an M82A3 barrett…the Beast. Seven hundred grains of .50 cal tends to settle most personal conflicts, albeit messily.
I doubt the shepherds would approve; but perhaps the Christ Child would understand.
I find that praying aloud (“Thank you for your presence here among us and grant us wisdom” prayer, not “Strike the other guy with lightning” prayer) sometimes takes the edge off the hostility. Plus, it’s less messy.