Christmas Reminds Us Where True Light and Peace Are Found

Guest Opinion by Perry Hooper, Jr.

As Christmas arrives, we are reminded that this sacred season is not defined by noise or spectacle, but by a quiet miracle that changed the course of human history. Christmas is the story of God entering our broken world, not with armies or crowns, but with humility, love, light and his only begotten son.

The Gospel of John captures the heart of this season with simple power: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). That truth has endured for more than two thousand years, and it remains just as relevant today. Darkness may press in through uncertainty, division, and fear, but it has never had the final word. Light has always prevailed, and it still does.

On that holy night in Bethlehem, the world did not yet understand what God was doing. A child was born in a stable, laid in a manger, unnoticed by kings and rulers. Yet heaven itself announced the moment, as angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). That promise of peace was not merely for that moment in history. It was a declaration meant for every generation.

Christmas reminds us that peace does not come from power or politics. It comes from God. It settles hearts before it ever settles nations. In a world still marked by conflict and unrest, we pray once again for peace, in our homes, in our communities, and across the globe. We especially pray for those living in regions where violence has become routine and fear has replaced hope. The message of Christmas speaks to them as clearly as it speaks to us, offering reassurance that God has not abandoned His people and that His plans are greater than our circumstances.

Here in America, we have much to be grateful for this Christmas. We live in a nation where families can gather freely, where faith can be expressed openly, and where gratitude can still be lifted without fear. These blessings are not accidental. They are gifts, and gifts require stewardship. Christmas is a time to pause, to recognize what we have been given, and to remember the responsibility that comes with it.

It is also a season of simple joys. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by family, sharing a meal, and slowing down long enough to be fully present with the people who matter most. For many of us, the greatest moments of Christmas are found not in what is wrapped under the tree, but in the laughter around it. There is a special kind of joy in watching a your child or grandchild’s face light up with wonder, excitement, and innocence, a reminder of how quickly time passes and how precious these moments truly are.

We have seen challenges over the past year, but we have also seen resilience. We have watched neighbors care for one another, families persevere through hardship, and communities come together when it mattered most. These moments reflect something deeper than circumstance. They reflect the enduring values of faith, service, and compassion that are at the heart of the Christmas story.

As we look ahead to a new year, many carry unanswered questions and quiet concerns. Christmas does not promise an absence of difficulty, but it offers something far greater. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). That peace is steady. It is not shaken by headlines or uncertainty. It is anchored in the assurance that God is present and faithful.

This season also calls us to look beyond ourselves. Christmas invites generosity, kindness, and a renewed awareness of those in need. Whether through a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or a simple act of compassion, we have the opportunity to reflect the love that was first shown to us.

Above all, Christmas reminds us that God is with us. Emmanuel is not a distant idea, but a living promise. God stepped into our world once, and He continues to walk with us still. That truth brings comfort in sorrow, courage in uncertainty, and hope for what lies ahead.

As families gather and candles are lit, may we remember the true meaning of this season. May we carry its light into our homes and communities. May we walk into the new year with humility, gratitude, and confidence in the One who holds all things together.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. May the peace of Christ dwell richly in your hearts this season and always. May God bless America, and may God bless us all.

Perry O. Hooper Jr. is a longtime Alabama Republican figure, former Alabama Legislator and Montgomery businessman. He served as Co-Chair of “Alabama Trump Victory” in 2016, and served as an at-large delegate to the Republican National Convention. He is a noted civic leader in Montgomery with deep family roots in Alabama’s legal and political history.

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