WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: A CALL TO NEW LIFE, HOPE, AND PEACE

The World Council of Churches (WCC) delivers a Christmas message highlighting hope and peace amid global uncertainty. In the message, the WCC asks, "Where is peace in all this? Where is God in all this?"

The answer to these questions, according to the WCC, lies in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. “In the birth of Jesus, we receive a sign of hope and God’s redemption. This is a call to new life, hope, and peace in Him,” the message reads. “The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God is present among us, sharing our vulnerabilities, and empowering us to restore peace and uphold justice.”

The message emphasizes that Christmas is a celebration of God’s incarnation, human dignity, and the emergence of hope and courage to tirelessly seek peace among all people.

As Christians, the WCC calls for the condemnation of war and violence and invites all to actively work for peace. “At the WCC and among its 352 member churches, the heritage and efforts of peace are an inseparable part of our mission,” the message declares.

The WCC also highlights their hard work in fostering peace across the world, in places such as Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, Colombia, and Korea. “We stand against violence towards women and children. We collaborate to create a fairer international order, build equitable financial structures, and strengthen interfaith solidarity,” the message continues.

As disciples of Jesus, the WCC underscores the importance of following the path of non-violence as a true step toward peace. “We stand against forces that threaten peace and confront lies that divide communities. We pray and act daily to bring about peace,” the WCC affirms.

The Christmas message concludes with an invitation to feel the presence of the Prince of Peace in daily life. “May hope, joy, and strength accompany each step we take in facing life’s struggles. May the celebration of the Savior’s birth bring peace and joy to the world,” the message concludes.