Rev. Donna Vande Kieft
I call myself a Peacemaker, and believe that being a peacemaker is a universal call, not only for people of faith, but for everyone—all of humanity. I am a long-time follower of the works of Henri Nouwen, and have received permission from the Henri Nouwen Society to share the Daily Meditation from Nov. 8, 2025, for such a time as this. We celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace at Christmas. As we begin a New Year, may we renew our prayers, hopes, dreams, and wishes for worldwide peace. And, may that peace that passes understanding begin with me and you. May our words, our actions, and our plans be aligned with the Virtue of Peacefulness.
The Vocation of Peace-Making
From The Road to Peace by Henri Nouwen
What we are called to is a life of peacemaking in which all that we do, say, think, or dream is part of our concern to bring peace to this world. Just as Jesus’ command to love one another cannot be seen as a part-time obligation, but requires our total dedication, so too Jesus’ call to peacemaking is unconditional, unlimited, and uncompromising. None of us is excused! It isn’t limited to specialists who are competent in military matters, or to radicals who have dedicated themselves to leafleting, demonstrating, and civil disobedience. No specialist or radical can diminish the undeniable vocation of each Christian to be a peacemaker. Peacemaking is a full-time vocation that includes each member of God’s people.
“Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 6:23
Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) was a priest, professor, and spiritual writer. He authored more than 40 books on spiritual life and spent his final years at L’Arche Daybreak, a community for people with intellectual disabilities. Drawing from his own journey of vulnerability and faith, he invites seekers into deeper intimacy with God, themselves, and others.
Peace be with us, our community, our world in 2026!