Philip Berrigan’s A Christmas Prayer is a powerful Catholic prayer for peace that confronts the enduring realities of war, violence, and the global arms trade through the lens of Christian faith and conscience. Written during the Vietnam War, this prophetic prayer reminds readers that the sins of militarism and indifference continue to shatter the lives of God’s people and wound all of creation. Drawing on Scripture—especially the prophetic vision of Isaiah and the promise of Christ as the Prince of Peace—the prayer invites believers to reject apathy and renew their commitment to nonviolence, justice, and reconciliation.

Rooted in Catholic social teaching and the tradition of Christian peacemaking, this prayer calls individuals and communities to seek strength from the Lord of Justice and to work actively for an end to war and violence at the local, national, and global levels. Especially meaningful during the Advent and Christmas seasons, it offers a countercultural reflection on the true meaning of Christmas—hope born amid darkness and peace grounded in justice.

This resource pairs well with Pope Francis’ 2023 Urbi et Orbi Christmas Message, which echoes a global call for peace, solidarity, and compassion, and with Education for Justice’s Christmas Day Prayer, providing additional opportunities for prayerful reflection, classroom use, retreats, and communal worship centered on the Gospel call to peace.