Hey everyone! As we get into the holiday spirit, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of presents, movies, and decorations. But Christmas is also a great time to think about what it really means to be “strong.”
When we think of heroes, we often think of characters with swords, shields, or superpowers. But there is a different kind of strength—one that doesn’t need weapons at all. A leader named Pope Leo XIV recently shared a powerful thought for the New Year:
“The peace of the risen Jesus is unarmed, His was an unarmed struggle in the midst of concrete historical, political and social circumstances.”
The quote means that Jesus’ impact on the world didn’t come from a position of military or worldly strength, but from a deliberate choice to remain vulnerable and non-violent, even when facing the crushing power of the state and social elites.
What does “Unarmed Peace” mean?
It means that even when things were really tough and people were being unfair, Jesus chose to use words of love and actions of kindness instead of fighting back with force. A famous example of this happened in a garden called Gethsemane. When a friend tried to protect Jesus by using a sword, Jesus stopped him and said:
“Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
Jesus showed us that the hardest (and bravest!) thing to do is to stay peaceful even when you are under pressure. This holiday, while you have some free time, maybe take a moment to think or pray about how you can be an “unarmed hero.” Can you be the one who stops a fight? Can you forgive someone who was mean to you? That is true strength! 💪✨
Checking Our “Internal Compass” 🧭
The year-end is also a vital time to check our biases and blindspots. Have you ever assumed someone was mean just because they looked different, or thought a game was “only for boys”? Those are blindspots! As we wrap up the year, let’s look inward to see where we can grow in empathy and understanding.
🛡️ Stay Safe in the Digital World!
Since many of us are spending more time online during the break—playing games, looking at cool ads, or seeing news about the election season—remember that not everything you see is what it seems. During this busy advertising season, companies and even scammers try really hard to get your attention by making you feel rushed.
If you see a post that makes you feel really angry or an advertisement that looks “too good to be true,” use the P.B.V.A.method to stay safe:
- P – Pause or Breathe: Take a moment to step back from the screen. Don’t let a “rushed” feeling or a loud headline trick you into clicking too fast. 🧘♂️
- B – Verify: Check the source! Is it a real website? Is the URL spelled correctly? During election time, always check if the info comes from a trusted, official source. 🔍
- V – Think: Ask yourself, “Do I actually need this item?” or “Is this story just trying to make me upset?” 🤔
- A – Action: Only proceed, share, or buy once you are 100% certain it is safe and true. Always ask an adult if you aren’t sure! ✅
Merry Christmas to you and your families! May your holidays be filled with peace, safety, and lots of joy. 🎅🎁
#MerryChristmas #PeaceMaker #John1811 #StaySafeOnline #CyberSecurity #ElectionSafety #BeAHero #HolidayVibes