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Dear Reader If the Prince of Peace knocked at your door, what woyuld be your response? That question was posed at the United Nations Peace Summit which Bridget Moix attended. In her article, she goes further to raise questions about the historic Friends Peace Testimony and its visibility in our world today. Other places where this question is posed are--the title story from Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh set during WWI and Bob Marsalli's story of commitment to nonviolence which saved several lives when his own life was threatened. The relationship between waiting and prayer which results in obedient action is explored by Stan Perisho. FUM Field Staff continue to share their spiritual journeys--Mike and Kay Cain in Belize and Rich and Sandy Davis in Kenya. During the holidays, thoughts often turn to family. Amy Runge Gaffey shares the suffering of her father and God's presence in their midst. Ruth Carter TurnerÕs poem focuses on her "Grandpa." Three new columnists debut this month. Howard Macy, Northwest Yearly Meeting, addresses "Walking Cheerfully" in the Bible Study. Phil Gulley, Western Yearly Meeting, shares childhood memories of the Christmas tree angel in the Back Bench. Alan Weinacht, Indiana Yearly Meeting, explores what "Becoming Attached" to a meeting really means in Salt and Light. The appointment of Retha McCutchen as General Secretary, other General Board news, Triennial Planning Committee updates plus more are all found in the news pages. Advent rapidly moves forward through the month of December. As we recognize the birth of the Messiah, are we preparing our hearts to welcome once again the birth of the Prince of Peace? And how will that birth make a difference in our new year? Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 10 Effective Prayer in a Busy World: Partners with God through Prayer Stanley Perisho Prayer in one form or another is an essential part of Christian living. To be effective, three important ingredients to prayer are essential--a clean heart before God, a listening and willing attitude, and a commitment to obedience to what God says to us in our times of prayer. 12 A Knocking at Our Door Bridget Moix At the UN this past fall, the Prince of Peace came knocking on the world's door at The Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders. Yet, Friends seemed noticeably out of sight, as did the other historic peace churches. As people of faith, as Friends, we are called to answer the knock. How will we respond? 14 Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh Louise Richardson Rorke The title story comes from the new Friends United Press book by Canadian Friend, Louise Richardson Rorke. Set in World War I, our minds focus on the Christmas story and its promise of "Peace on Earth." 16 God's Healing Spirit: An Answer to Our Suffering Amy Runge Gaffney As Amy watched her father die, feelings about the injustice of it surfaced--why a man who, as a physician, had given so much to so many people, would have to suffer such a death. The days leading up to his death became a time of healing, a time to discover our hope is based not on some promise of distant rewards, but on the real presence of God's healing Spirit in the midst of our suffering.   FEATURES 4 Valiant for Truth Trish Edwards-Konic 4 News from Friends United Meeting 9 News 17 Grandpa Poem by Ruth Carter Turner 18 Bible Study Walking Cheerfully Howard Macy 19 Salt and Light Becoming Attached Alan Weinacht 20 Turning Points Christmas Eve, 1996 Bob Marsalli 22 Reviews 24 A Christmas Paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 Poem by Kenneth and Ruth Pohlenz 26 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 34 Viewpoints 35 The Back Bench If I Had an Angel Philip Gulley

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