25 Dec Peace on Earth

25 December 2023

Christmas

PEACE ON EARTH

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (Luke 2:14, Recommend reading the full text, 2:1-14)

World Council of Churches, as a body of 253 member churches, is working relentlessly for peace among the churches of different denominations. August 31 to September 8, 2022, are the days I will never forget. Around 4000 Christians from around the world and from different denominations gathered in Karlsruhe, Germany, for the WCC General Assembly. I personally witnessed peace among God’s people all over the world.

‘Peace’ is a term we hear often, and we are all looking for it. Peace in personal life, family life, churches, and community life. World peace is a matter discussed everywhere. The year 2022 is another year of conflicts, especially due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Many people, including innocent children, died because of various military conflicts worldwide. Global leaders and Churches are trying their best to create peace in those nations impacted by war and conflicts.

In the text for reflection, we see the birth of Jesus, during which the angels proclaimed peace to all people living in different situations.

Most people are living in fearful and unsafe situations. Many people from Ukraine and other war-ridden nations migrated to nearby Countries because of the fear of living in their own countries. The shepherds who were in the fields were not in a safe situation. They were afraid of wild animals and other threats in the fields. Moreover, they were outcasted people who lived out of the common societies. The word ‘do not be afraid’ is a real comfort for them. This is the same good news for those living in unsafe situations and workplaces. Let us pray for God’s people all over the world to receive power through the birth of Jesus. In the same way, God gives us strength through the birth of Jesus.

In Churches, we pray for peace on earth. There are places where people still live in contexts of threat, and they seek peace. The increase in the number of suicides clearly reveals the real-life situation of people. Poverty is one of the reasons. The

birth of Jesus in a manger, even without a proper place, is an example of people living in poverty. The birth situation itself comforts the people of God. We read Jesus giving peace during his birth as well as during his resurrection. Jesus is the word that became flesh and lives among us full of Grace and truth (John 1: 14). His Grace is sufficient for peace in our life (2 Corinthians 12: 9).

Let us pray that the birth of Jesus gives real peace to people all over the world and to those who are seeking peace in their life.

prayer

Gracious God, thank you for your gospel of Peace. Our lives of threatened by ongoing conflicts and wars all over the world. Help us to receive your Peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

for further thought

What do we need to do to establish peace in our communities?

Abraham Nesa

Bossey Institute of Ecumenical Studies, Switzerland