EDITORIAL - Peace on Earth

Families gather today to celebrate the happiest day in Christendom. There will be no celebration, however, for those who lost their loved ones especially in unexpected violent attacks.

On this special day, police are hunting down the assassins of a party-list congressman and his bodyguard as well as a former town mayor. More armed attacks have been reported around the country, with no letup expected as a new year approaches.

The attacks must have inspired the Christmas message of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. In a statement addressed to the youth, Tagle said violence and corruption are toxic to society and must be shunned. The message was issued as a teenage boy was dismissed from the Ateneo de Manila high school for bullying another student using skills in taekwondo.

Communist rebels are observing a unilateral ceasefire, starting yesterday until tomorrow, and on Dec. 31 and New Year’s Day. The rebels, however, launched armed attacks in the days leading up to the truce. For the first time in decades, the government has not reciprocated with its own cessation of hostilities. Security officials explained that the rebels simply take advantage of such ceasefires to reinforce their ranks for further attacks after the holidays.

And yet there are still many communities where families will gather in peace today, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Blessings can be shared with the less fortunate, especially those whose lives were touched with deep sorrow this year.

Christmas will always be a season of hope, of finding joy amid suffering, and finding peace in a world of violence.

May you have a blessed, joyous Christmas!