Christmas, Peace, and the Call to Shared Humanity

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” (Charles Dickens, 1812–1870)

Christmas is a magical time, especially for Christians. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, some 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, a place whose name and meaning have endured across centuries of history and conflict. According to the gospels his parents, Mary and Joseph, travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a Roman census. When they arrived there, by donkey, there was nowhere for them to stay and they found accommodation in a stable, where the baby Jesus was born.

The first people to know about the birth were nearby shepherds tending their flocks. They were visited by an angel who told them about the birth of a Saviour who, according to the gospel of Matthew (1:21), “will save His people from their sins”. The shepherds visited and worshipped him as, some time later, did the wise men, often thought to be Kings or Magi, ancient priests from Persia. They saw a star that led them to where the baby Jesus was born, and they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Hence, Christmas has become a time associated with peace, hope, and gift giving.

Sadly, however, while the Christmas tradition of gift giving remains, in the 2000 years since the birth of Christ rarely has peace prevailed. For example, since the end of World War II in 1945, the war to end all wars, there have been over 200 wars or conflicts worldwide, and in many places, including the land where Christ was born, not only has the killing and suffering been severe but so too has the harm to the environment.

This Christmas, therefore, let us give to each other the gifts of peace and happiness. Wherever you are in the world, whatever your religious beliefs may we live in harmony with each other and our environment.

We wish you a blessed Christmas and a peaceful 2026.

David & Felicity