On Dec. 24, 2003, my wife, Julie, was busy finalizing plans for our very first Kansas City Christmas celebration when there was an unexpected knock at the door. It was our next door neighbor. The neighbor was holding a beautiful Christmas basket full of homemade goodies and treats.  

What surprised Julie was the fact that our neighbor is Muslim. She said, as she handed Julie the cookies and candies, “We know this is a special time of year for Christians and we wanted to honor your celebration by giving you something sweet. My children and I baked these for your family.  Merry Christmas!”

Julie was deeply moved by her gesture. Julie invited our neighbor in for a cup of tea.  They discovered they had much in common. Like us, they were very active in their faith community.  They hosted regular monthly Koran study groups in their home on Sunday evenings. They were big baseball fans with mixed loyalties between the Atlanta Braves and the Royals. Their two children, a boy and a girl, were not the same age as our sons but close enough that she and Julie were able to commiserate over the challenges of raising kids in an ever-changing environment.

By the end of the tea and the conversation, they embraced before walking to the door. Without thinking Julie said, “Merry Christmas!”  As soon as she said that she asked, “Oh, wait, I probably should not say that to you should I?” Our neighbor smiled and graciously replied, “It’s fine!  We know that your celebration focuses on the gift of peace for the world.  All of us need to work together in order for peace to become real.”

A year or so later our neighbors moved to New York. We’ve lost track of them since they relocated but we’ve never forgotten their kindness. Lately, I’ve thought a lot about her and that basket of gifts she delivered on Christmas Eve. I’ve wondered how many folks who are angrily attacking Muslims right now know a Muslim by name. How many have taken the time to learn all they can about this beautiful religion, one that shares its roots with Jews and Christians?

Maybe I’m too idealistic but I believe the path to peace begins with the simplest acts of kindness. Little things like shaking hands and sharing cookies can open doors previously closed. This year perhaps the finest gifts we can bring to the Christ child are an open mind, an open heart and open hands.  

“Pray for peace, people everywhere,”