Islamophobia is often framed as something Muslims must endure or explain away. In reality, it is a test of how we choose to live together when fear presses in and belonging feels fragile. The answer will not be found in rhetoric alone, but in relationships, courage, and care.

Peace does not come through force. Peace comes to us in the bread and the cup. Peace comes to us when we put our hands on the wall to confess our sins, of everything that has separated us from God and from one another.

This Advent season, rehearse the ancient biblical story of saying “No” to Empire and “Yes” to God’s vision of a future far better than any human could bring about.

Each Friday in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

Who are you deciding to journey with or on behalf of during this liturgical season of Advent? How will your candles of hope, peace, joy, and love help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the ones without shelter, and heal the brokenhearted?