Introduction: On the commemoration of the birth of the Lord Christ, His Holiness reminds that the angels proclaimed “Glory to God and on earth peace,” and he urges us to contemplate the meaning of the word “peace” in our Christian life.

Types of peace: He explains that Christ meant three kinds of peace: peace between man and God, peace among people with one another, and inner peace between a person and himself.

Peace with God: The first peace is realized through repentance, purity, and divine love; the sinner is separated from God, and there is no true peace unless a person is reconciled with God and lives a life of love and inner obedience, not merely externally acceptable goodness.

Peace among people: The one who lives in peace with God will make peace with people automatically; Christ’s calling of peacemakers and the beatitude toward them indicates that peace is an active force that must shine to others through love, cooperation, and concession and by not attacking.

Christian conduct in peace: The Lord calls us to forgiveness, meekness, gentleness, and to be peaceful people who do not resist evil but act in love even toward adversaries, and to offer peace as a greeting and blessing to every house we enter.

Inner peace: True inner peace means freedom from anxiety, turmoil, and passions, living in contentment and ascetic detachment from the world, for the soul filled with God’s love and the Holy Spirit is calm and reassured.

Practical results and prayer: The fruits of peace appear in detachment from the world, giving life value, and overcoming violence and disorder in the world; therefore the Pope calls for prayer for Egypt, the Middle East, and the whole world so that peace may come and blessing be upon all.

Conclusion and exhortation: He concludes by urging that peace be always among us, and that we ask God for His strength to live in love, fear, and mercy, and that this year be a blessed year of peace for everyone.

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