President's Blog: From the Heart
A Christmas Message of Peace
By Eric F. Spina
Dear University of Dayton Family,
Christmas is a time of wonder and joy, love and grace. It’s a season of goodwill.
As I reflected on this year’s Christmas message to the campus community, I thought about the Catholic tradition of offering your neighbor “a sign of peace” during Mass.
On this holiest and most joyful of days, we celebrate Jesus, a sign of God’s love in our midst. A sign of peace. As we celebrate the miracle of the birth of Jesus, let us pray for those who are not at peace — whether in our families, our communities fractured by gun violence and division, or those impacted by war around the globe.
Let us not just yearn for peace this Christmas season, but take on the mantle of peacemakers who work to transform our world through love. The Christmas story, ultimately, is about hope that comes from God’s love. Together, we can bring hope to the human family. Let us make room in our hearts for Christ, especially for the most vulnerable among us who so need our love.
Karen, Kaitlyn, Emery, and I wish you a joyful Christmas and the dawn of a more peaceful new year.
May God’s peace be with you,
Eric F. Spina
President
Photo credit: Holy Family, China, International Christmas Card collection, Marian Library