Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila’s prayer intention for January is “That peace may reign throughout the world in this new year, especially in the Holy Land and Ukraine.”
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, Your God is King!” (Is 52:7).
Christmas is a beautiful time not only for us Christians but also for the entire world, as it brings a wonderful message. The message of Christmas is one of peace and salvation. Jesus is the Good News of Christmas, the reason and central message, the Messiah foretold by ancient prophets and awaited by a suffering people in exile.
The Good News is that God is King. He is a ruler who comes to establish justice and peace for all peoples, especially those enduring the atrocities of war and the physical and spiritual exile of countless families forced to flee violence and unjust dictatorships in countries unable to provide peace, protection and justice for their citizens.
The Good News is also salvation. The entire universe is freely offered redemption by an amazing God who came in the humility and littleness of a child. In this divine Child, we celebrate Christmas, finding the promise of hope and salvation for the entire world.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. Upon his shoulder, dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, upon David’s throne and over his kingdom, confirmed and sustained by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!” (Is 9:5-6).
As we begin a new year in 2024, we all have a list of two or three resolutions. Why not add one more resolution: to join Archbishop Aquila’s prayer intention during January, praying for peace worldwide, especially in countries at war such as the Holy Land and Ukraine. Let us ask the newborn Child Jesus to console all peoples in physical and spiritual exile, freeing them from the darkness and violence of war, and to reign over us all with peace and justice. The good news of our faith is that victory belongs to our God; he has dominion over all the kings of the earth and all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible. He came to establish his kingdom of peace and equity.
May the joy and meaning of the Lord’s Nativity not only remain in our memories as a beautiful feast, but may the Christmas season be prolonged and proclaimed as the Good News which brings peace and salvation to our wounded and burdened world. Jesus, Prince of Peace, have mercy on us and on the whole world.