As the EFJ team was preparing to send this final posting of the year, we heard of the tragic school shooting in Connecticut. We share our prayer for its victims, their loved ones and our world in a resource you'll find linked below.

In this season of joyful hope, the Education for Justice team prays that you'll discover anew the gift of the Prince of Peace. Christ comes to us in a time of unrest and conflict, around the world and in our hearts. Neighbors fight with neighbors, nations battle nations, and many wage inner conflicts about how best to bring peace.

People of faith wrestle with the concept of war and its impact. Great thinkers dating back to Augustine and Aquinas give us the foundations of Just War Theory. But modern warfare and technology demand fresh thought on the subject, especially as people discern whether and how to participate in war. Daniel Costie provides a learning resource on conscientious objection that explores the documentary "Soldiers of Conscience" and generates questions for young minds to ponder.

Other resources in this posting include Jane Deren's prayer that contemplates the symbols of Christmas, Pax Christi International's statement calling for the prohibition of drones, and Advent resources that will guide our feet on the path of peace.

As Christmas nears, we thank God for the gifts that Theresa Polk and Daniel Costie have brought to the EFJ team in a time of transition. Theresa has served priceless roles in supporting the content and management aspects of our website and has shared equal doses of perspective and patience as she trains new staff. We wish her the best as she returns to school full-time. We also thank EFJ program associate Daniel Costie as his internship comes to an end. We lift them up in our prayers of thanksgiving.

And we thank you for your support and pray for your ministries and efforts to share the Good News of justice in the year to come. Have a blessed Christmas!