12/23/2025
Dear Beloved of El Camino Real,
Peace. The word is both on our lips and in our hearts as we connect with the realities of our world. Prayers of the People throughout our diocese mention the hope for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, South Sudan, and other places in the world torn apart by violence. Some people fear total extinction at the hands of others who have forgotten that those they profess to hate are all Children of God.
As long as people believe that peace is a commodity to be bought or a trophy that declares victory, peace will remain elusive. Neither is “peace” a soft conversation to be held or a concept to be hoped for without a call to action. The ultimate prize is the longed-for peace that exists when there is justice—when people everywhere are fed, clothed, freed, and belong to a community. God’s peace is shalom, and the pursuit of that peace should cause each of us to amend our ways. With a nod to the prophet Isaiah, we are each to take the swords of our own words and turn them into plowshares of action for world peace.
Nelson Mandela had much to say about peace, and he gave us this gem to consider: “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
The Prince of Peace was born in human form over 2,000 years ago. As an adult, Jesus challenged dehumanizing structures through his words and actions and taught his disciples to focus on what needed healing and reconciliation. He bent their hearts toward understanding and love.
Please join me this Christmas in donating to The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East. Jesus’ disciples work tirelessly amidst ongoing violence to bring relief to those who are displaced and those protecting their children from war. Let us also pray for Archbishop Hosam Naoum and his family.
“Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen." (BCP p. 823)
May your heart “prepare him room,” and may you have a very Blessed Christmas.
Faithfully,
+Lucinda
