Karnataka/Bangalore: Archbishop Dr Peter Machado said, Christmas is a feast of joy and peace, celebrating the birth of Jesus. The angels sang, Glory to God in the highest, and peace to people of goodwill. Without peace, the true essence of Christmas cannot be realized. Peace begins with each individual—if we lack peace within, we cannot share it with others. Families, neighborhoods, states, and nations all need peace, but it requires intention and effort. True peace is not achieved through demands or conditions but through dialogue and understanding. As Pope Francis emphasizes in the concept of synodality, the key is listening—genuinely hearing others. Peace cannot be one-sided; it thrives on mutual respect and fruitful conversations. This Christmas, let us embrace the spirit of peace and take steps, however small, toward fostering harmony in our world.
