WITH MUCH ENTHUSIASM, WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS 2016 WITH YOU

Throughout 2016, I’ve been focused on interacting, engaging, and working with governments, revolutionary groups, religious organizations, and civil society in sharing Peace Theology in the socio-political context of the Philippines. Joji’s focus is developing inclusive development initiatives, primarily through coffee, in advancing economic-ecological transformation.

We celebrate the birth of Jesus with much excitement, perhaps even more enthusiastic, as we think of the current journey of our people in the Philippines.

The first major message of the Christmas story is “Peace on Earth!” Why? Because the socio-historical context of the Christmas story was unpeace:

We’re happy to be embraced by the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. Joji’s tribal name is Lakambini Mapayapa; mine is Lakan Sumulong.

The celebration of Christmas must be a celebration of the fact that God is with us — Emmanu-El. This brings hope and peace to the people oppressed by a system of unpeace.

If this is the kind of celebration we’re celebrating, then we can really say that our Christmas celebration is In-God (en Theos) — thus, en-Theos-siastic, or enthusiastic!

May we experience the just and liberating Peace that Jesus brings. May your Christmas celebration be really enthusiastic!

 

A BENEDICTION

 

Do not be dismayed
by the brokenness of the world.

All things break.
All things can be mended.


Not with time,
as they say,
but with intention.


So go.
Love intentionally,
extravagantly,
unconditionally.


The broken world awaits in darkness
for the light
that is you.

 

~ L. R. Knost

 

 

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OUR GLOBAL PEACE COMMUNITY

We are sent by Mennonite Church Canada Witness in partnership with our international community.