Christmas 2025: Peace Saves Families and the Nation
By Ali Aminuloh
Indonesia is a tremendous gift from God. More than 17,000 islands, hundreds of regional languages, and diverse customs, cultures, and religions combine to form a unique national mosaic. The nation’s founders formulated this in a noble wisdom: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), different, but still one. This is where Indonesia stands: not on uniformity, but on sincere respect for differences.
As a Muslim, I interpret Christmas 2025 as a space for humanitarian reflection that transcends formal religious boundaries. This year’s Christmas theme, “God is present to save the family” (Matthew 1:21–24), contains a profound universal message: God’s presence always begins at home, in the closest relationship, the family. It is there that the values of love, sacrifice, and responsibility are instilled before spreading to society and the nation.
This message aligns with the Quranic verse: “O mankind, indeed We created you from male and female, and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another.” (Quran, Al-Hujurat: 13). Diversity is God’s will, while the family is the first school for learning to know one another, respect one another, and live in peace.
Christmas, in the context of Indonesian nationality, does not stop at celebratory rituals. It serves as a mirror for introspection. When egoism, whether in the name of religion, identity, or group, dominates the inner space, social disharmony is inevitable. Yet, peace is the soul of Islam, just as love is the core of Christian teachings. Honoring the celebration of Christmas never means changing one’s beliefs. Instead, it affirms the maturity of faith: steadfastness in one’s faith, openness in one’s attitude.
The theme “Allah is present to save the family” finds its most tangible relevance amidst the grief of natural disasters. The series of tragedies in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh have claimed thousands of lives and devastated homes, the most sacred spaces, called families, in a matter of hours. Nature seems to rebuke human arrogance. Before God and universal law, all achievements can crumble in an instant.
From this, we learn that salvation is not just an individual matter, but a shared responsibility. Saving the family means protecting the home from hatred, protecting the environment from greed, and protecting the nation from division. Shaykh Al Zaytun’s concept of the trilogy of consciousness: philosophical, ecological, and social awareness, is key. Philosophical awareness teaches humility; ecological awareness guides care for the earth; social awareness fosters empathy. When all three flourish, families will be strong, communities will be harmonious, and the nation will be at peace.
Ultimately, Christmas 2025 invites us to return to its most fundamental meaning: God is present to save, not separate. From family to family, from home to home, salvation is embodied in mutual respect. In this diverse nation, faith is tested not by the ability to eliminate others, but by the ability to love without losing one’s identity. May the light of Christmas shine as a beacon of unity, guiding Indonesia, this great nation, toward lasting peace and tranquility. Amen.***
Indonesia, December 25, 2025
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