“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:13-14, KJV

At Christmastime, the world pauses to celebrate peace, joy, and togetherness. Countless songs and stories remind us of the magic of unity and what truly matters. Arguments are set aside, the boundaries of war and conflict are lifted, people sing and celebrate together about what is truly important.

For a moment, it seems. And then it’s over.

Does it have to be?

Sometimes it’s overwhelming to think about how much conflict there is in the world, wondering if one person can even make a difference by trying to be a peacemaker. 

But – the Prince of Peace came to the world not as a government leader or a soldier. He came to the family of a carpenter, born in a stable in a small, unremarkable town called Bethlehem. Throughout his ministry of miracles, he owned little, had no home of his own, and in his mortal life he never went beyond a small area in the Middle East. And after all the good he did and preached, he died in one of the most shameful ways possible – put to death on a cross by the Roman government because his own people insisted he was a criminal.

By most measures, Jesus of Nazareth had quite a small circle of influence while he lived. And yet his life forever changed the world. His example shows that even the humblest actions can ripple outward. You don’t have to do something that appears big or grand to be a peacemaker. Sometimes – in fact, most often – it’s through small and simple means that great things come to pass.

And through these simple moments, He taught us how to live:

  • “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9, KJV
  • “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” – Matthew 5:38-39, KJV
  • “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27, KJV
  • “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33, KJV
  • “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” – John 15:12, KJV

Jesus taught a message of peace and love—qualities in scarce supply today. And that’s something we’ve got to change, because the master of evil and conflict wants us to fight amongst ourselves. A house divided cannot stand. When we are fighting each other, we cannot unite to fight against the true source of evil. 

Though this may seem like an overwhelmingly religious message, it applies to all. The call to be peacemakers is not confined to a season—it is a mission for life.

So I invite you. Here, now.

  • Pledge to speak kindly and and choose words that build bridges, not barriers.
  • Pledge to seek understanding in disagreements and to extend compassion and forgiveness to those who have wronged you. 
  • Pledge to contribute to the well-being of the world by focusing on your circle of influence – your family and community.

And as Charles Dickens wrote through Ebenezer Scrooge, “[H]onour Christmas in [your] heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

Let us honor the message of peace and goodwill—not just during the fleeting season of Christmas but in the way we live each day. The world may be filled with conflict, but change begins with us, through small and simple acts that reflect the teachings of the Prince of Peace.

Together, we can overcome darkness with light, division with unity, and hatred with love.

In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, let us reflect on what it means to be instruments of peace:

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.”