The above proclamation, purportedly by angels, captures the Christmas theme — that story of a pivotal birth two millennia ago in the town of Bethlehem to recently wedded Palestinians of Jewish faith. Implicit in this proclamation confirms that reverence for others — all others — is the foundation for peace.

Global media reveal today that we are nowhere near peace or goodwill, either at home or abroad. Local headlines of our ninth murder since Bermuda Day speak volumes.

Worldwide, notably near Bethlehem, circumstances are particularly troubling. Given the nature of the deaths of tens of thousands in Gaza — mainly women and children — the International Criminal Court has issued warrants for the arrests of the Israeli prime minister, its former defence minister and a Hamas leader for the crime of genocide. This conclusion was mirrored by the International Court of Justice, Amnesty International and others, with the warrants honoured by most nations, including Britain and Canada.

Pope Francis gave his Christmas message to the Roman Catholic cardinals on Saturday, during which he reiterated: “And with pain, I think of Gaza, of so much cruelty, of the children being machine-gunned, of the bombings of schools and hospitals. What cruelty!”

Two millennia ago, the Roman Empire arbitrarily controlled populations of that area. Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth, and his wife Mary, late during her pregnancy, were among the hundreds forced to travel to Bethlehem by the Romans to facilitate a census.

When Mary experienced birth pains upon arrival in the town, with no rooms available, the couple made use of a stable, where the baby Jesus was born.

King Herod, having been advised that a Saviour — a challenge to the Empire — had been born in the area, ordered the killing of all newborn boys during that period. Had there been an ICC back then, warrants would have been issued for Herod’s arrest.

Mary and Joseph were able to escape by slipping into Egypt, finding sanctuary so that Jesus as a 30-year-old eventually delivered His teachings of goodwill to all.

Approaching 2025 with unprecedented challenges across the globe, and with notable implications for children — including murderous violence with impunity, rampant inequality and catastrophic implications for climate change — please join in reflection sometime over this festive season.

Pause for any one day to fast for peace and goodwill to all. Anytime from December 24 to January 2, 2025 — one day to fast, or even one meal.

• Glenn Fubler represents Imagine Bermuda and is joined here by signatories Dennis Lister II, Joan Dillas Wright, Aaron Crichlow, Betty Ann DeJean, Dianna Kemp, Reverend Jay Tucker, Lynn Millett, Roy Wright, Saleem Talbot and Wendell Hollis