Reflections on Peace During Advent
As the second Sunday of Advent approaches, Christians globally are getting ready to celebrate Christmas, reflecting on the peace that was promised with the arrival of Christ. It’s a moment when many recall his words: “My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you; I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor be afraid” (John 14:27, ESV). One of the beautifully uplifting titles attributed to Christ during this season is “Prince of Peace.”
Yet, the reality is that peace remains somewhat out of reach—for individuals and, more profoundly, within communities, societies, cultures, and nations. This struggle is particularly acute for believers from various faiths around the world. Many devoted practitioners face increasing restrictions on their right to believe and worship freely. In numerous situations, these challenges escalate to outright repression or even violent persecution.
Take, for instance, the tragic killings of Christians in Nigeria at their places of worship, or the Uyghur Muslims confined in concentration camps in China. We see similar threats to faith for Bahais and Jews in Iran, Hazara Shia Muslims in Afghanistan, and countless others like Assyrians, Rohingya, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, and Ahmadi Muslims. For these communities and those who care about religious freedom internationally, peace can appear almost like a distant dream.
Finding Hope Amidst Darkness
Still, it’s essential to remember that the Christmas narrative is just the beginning of a story rich with insights into pursuing peace—whether one identifies as Christian or not. In Christian tradition, Christ’s birth wasn’t surrounded by tranquility; it started in humble, challenging circumstances as part of a divine mission meant to transform the world.
Christ exemplified peace through courageous actions that challenged existing norms and offered fresh perspectives. He embodied a humble approach, actively seeking reconciliation, even with adversaries. To him, peace was not simply a passive state but an active commitment to standing up for justice and recognizing every person’s inherent dignity as created in the image of God.
Building Bridges in Turbulent Times
This call to foster peace amidst divisions may seem daunting today. It’s easy to see peace as a miraculous aspiration rather than something within our grasp. Yet, our experience co-chairing the International Religious Freedom Summit has given us a glimpse of what collaborative peace can look like in action.
Every year, this event unites thousands of advocates for religious freedom from diverse faith backgrounds. Participants set aside their theological, cultural, and political disagreements to stand together for human dignity and the fundamental right for everyone to worship as they see fit. The focus is not on the specifics of worship, but rather on upholding the right to believe freely, without fear.
Hope for the Future
While our time at the summit may not resolve all the urgent challenges facing religious freedom today, it serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating what peace can represent in a divided world.
On this Advent Peace Sunday, let us draw inspiration from the story of Christ, who entered our world, “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:79).
Moreover, we find strength and resolve to pursue peace in the tireless efforts of dedicated advocates in the international religious freedom community, who actively work for this cause, embodying what it truly means to seek peace rather than passively await it.
While claiming “peace on earth” might still feel far away, we can start envisioning it by standing together and insisting on freedom of religion and belief for all.
