Christmas 2025: A Call to Peace and Harmony
Message from His Excellency Archbishop Peter B. Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to the Kingdom of Thailand
Dear Friends in Thailand and Beyond,
As the gentle lights of Christmas adorn our homes, streets and hearts once again, I extend to each of you—wherever you may be, whatever your faith or tradition—my warmest greetings and sincerest prayers for a season filled with joy, hope and above all, peace.
In this sacred time for Christians, the world pauses to remember the birth of the Prince of Peace in a humble stable in Bethlehem. That quiet moment over two millennia ago was not merely a historical event; it was a divine invitation to harmony, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, light can break through. Today, in an ever more divided and polarized world, this invitation rings with renewed urgency.
We see it all around us: voices raised in anger, communities fractured by misunderstanding, families who no longer speak and nations strained by conflict. Yet Christmas whispers a different story. It tells us that peace is not the absence of differences, but the presence of love. It is not uniformity, but unity in our uniqueness. It is not silence born of fear, but open and honest exchange rooted in mutual respect.
This season, I invite every man and woman of good will—regardless of creed or culture—to step back from the noise, to reflect deeply and to ask a simple yet profound question: “What can I do, in my own corner of the world, to make it a more loving and accepting place?”
It may begin with a kind word to a stranger. It may mean listening—truly listening—to someone whose views differ from our own. It may be reaching out to a neighbour in need, forgiving an old wound or teaching a child the value of compassion.
In Thailand, a land blessed with rich traditions, warm hospitality and a spirit of sanuk (joyful living), we are uniquely positioned to model this harmony. Here, Buddhist temples stand alongside churches, mosques and Hindu shrines—all under the same sky, all part of the same human family. For those of us fortunate enough to live here, we know this is not mere coexistence; it is a living testament to the beauty of mutual respect, admiration and deep concern for one another.
As Apostolic Nuncio, I have been deeply moved by the generosity and openness I have encountered across this Kingdom. From the vibrant Christmas celebrations in Bangkok and Thare to the quiet charity of rural parishes, I see the light of Christmas alive in acts of kindness that transcend religion and ethnicity.
Let this Christmas be more than a holiday. Let it be a turning point—a moment when we choose, individually and collectively, to build bridges instead of walls, to heal rather than to harm, to love rather than to judge.
To the Catholic and Protestant faithful: may the Christ child strengthen you to be instruments of peace.
To our Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and other brothers and sisters: may the shared values of compassion and justice inspire us all.
To those who follow no faith: may the universal call to goodness move your hearts.
Together, let us make this Christmas a season of renewed commitment—to peace within our families, harmony in our communities and hope for our world.
May the Child of Bethlehem bless you and your loved ones with serenity, joy and the courage to be peacemakers.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
With prayerful best wishes,
Archbishop Peter B. Wells
Apostolic Nuncio to the Kingdom of Thailand
