Editorial

May the shining light of Christ bring peace to our troubled world

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So, they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. (Lk 2:15-20)

St. Luke’s Gospel during the Christmas Mass at Dawn on Dec. 25 shares the story of the Nativity of the Lord.

It reveals that our Savior was born in the lowliest of places, in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem since there was no room at the inn. Our faith teaches us Christ is born again, bringing hope for all, and we rejoice.

But as he recently told a group of children at the Vatican on Dec. 15, Pope Francis noted that the Christmas season is also a reminder to Christians that, despite hardships, God chose to join himself to humanity and still remains by its side. The above Gospel passage offers an example of the humility so often found in the Holy Family’s life on Earth.

In an article posted by OSV News, the Holy Father said, “Christmas is a reminder that God loves us and wants to be with us.”

It is a message that must resonate with us as disciples—that our Creator wants to love each of us and be with each of us despite the unrest we are witnessing in so many corners of the world. Ongoing prayers for peace during this season and beyond must continue.

The incarnation, the pope noted during a meeting with representatives from the Italian Catholic Action movement, “is a stupendous gift, and it brings with it another: that we may also love one another as brothers and sisters.

“How much we need this today,” he added, “so many people, so many children suffer because of war.”

It should break hearts when we realize countless children will be among those unable to celebrate Christ’s birth this year because of the ongoing conflicts. Russia’s continued fighting with Ukraine, Hamas’ conflict with Israel and the civil wars in Myanmar and Yemen, among other places, have resulted in many casualties, with many of the victims being innocent children. How can this still be happening during a time of year when a message of peace should be the constant call for all humanity?

In his talk with the young people, the pope recalled that more than 3,000 children have died in Gaza since the outbreak of war in the Holy Land. Children were among the casualties in Israel as well when Hamas extremists invaded there on Oct. 7. We must also remember the more than 500 children who have died in Ukraine and the thousands who died during the years of war in Yemen, the Holy Father noted.

“Their memory, in turn, invites us to be lights for the world, to touch the hearts of many people, especially those who can stop the whirlwind of violence,” the pope said.

Only by loving God and loving one another, the Holy Father continued, “can the world rediscover the light and the peace that it needs” and which was proclaimed by the angels who announced Jesus’ birth.

As we enter this Christmas season and approach a new year, peace and light seem so unattainable for many of our brothers and sisters.

Our prayers must center on securing peace in war-torn countries. At this time of year that is naturally darkest, we must remember Christ brings inextinguishable light. At a time when many are tempted to believe in the absence of God, he becomes present once again and always.

May the shining light of Christ bring peace to our troubled world, this Christmas and throughout the New Year. Please Lord, may it be so.

—Mike Krokos