As we enter the holiday period, “peace” is very much top of mind. The Finnish celebrate “Christmas Peace” each year to formally announce the beginning of the season. Dating from the 13th century, the tradition encourages people to be respectful and kind: harsher penalties were once imposed on criminals for offences during the Christmas Peace. It is too bad that only one part of the year is used to remind us of the importance of peace. It should be something we pray for all year round.
