PEACE ON
EARTH
a christian perspective on the world today
In this issue December 2025
WHAT IN THE WORLD 04 MY LANDMARK IN A LOST WORLD 06 How the Sabbath anchors me to healthy living.
LIVING GENEROUSLY: THE LIFE AVAILABLE MODEL 12 Generosity doesn’t mean you have to live without.
THE PRINCE OF PEACE 18 Was the Pax Romana really peaceful?
THE FRESH AIR ADVANTAGE 26 It’s simple, but it may have more benefits than you think.
THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE
In the midst of war, these soldiers
honoured a higher authority for peace.
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“IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR” 38 Except for so many, it’s not.
TEMPERANCE 40 Why it matters—especially during the holiday season!
MAKING CHRISTMAS MEANINGFUL FOR CHILDREN 46 Hint: it doesn’t have to revolve around presents.
BEYOND THE PROTEIN CRAZE 48 We’re obsessed with protein—but we often forget about its equally important partners.
SMOKY BBQ TOFU SKEWERS 60
HEAVEN WON’T BE BORING—HERE’S WHY
Try these at your next summer BBQ.
SUDOKU AND CROSSWORD PUZZLE 62
It won’t be harps and togas.
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A promise of peace Peace is an elusive state that, in this harried and often volatile world, seems almost too good to be true. If we are lucky enough to live in a region that has not seen war recently, we still regularly experience conflict in our personal lives. The violence of relationship breakdown, the thievery of unexpected illness, the debilitating grip of grief or the crushing weight of anxiety—few seasons of our lives are completely free from conflict, or filled with true peace. Yet peace breaks through into the present in the small blessings of life—the smell of fresh bread, the taste of chocolate, the fluttering eyelashes of a sleeping child, the embrace of a loved one, a sunrise or sunset, walks in the fresh air. There are moments of peace in the storm. Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, conveys the concept of wholeness in a way that our English word does not—to be whole, content, restored—a true and lasting peace. For Christians, our hope for peace is Jesus. The Baby we remember at Christmas time arrived as the Prince of Peace. He invites those who would follow Him, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mattthew 11:28). His is a peace that doesn’t make sense. Like stopping fighting in the middle of a war (p32), it is not a peace that beats others into submission (p18) but a gift. It requires loving one’s enemies and humbling our own interests to serve God and humanity. And ultimately, it will be the peace that lasts. Jesus promises there will be “no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). That is the peace He has promised. That is the peace I hope and pray you will experience during this holiday season.
JARROD STACKELROTH Editor
VOL 139 NO 11
ISSN 1038-9733 EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Brad Kemp EDITOR Jarrod Stackelroth ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jesse Herford ASSISTANT EDITOR Zanita Fletcher COPYEDITORS Melody Tan Tracey Bridcutt GRAPHIC DESIGN Theodora Pau’u Talia Valderrama PHONE +61 2 9847 2222 EMAIL info@signsmag.com WEBSITE signsmag.com ADDRESS Adventist Media PO Box 1115, Wahroonga New South Wales 2076 SUBSCRIPTIONS Kelli Geelan PHONE +61 3 5965 6300 Australia/New Zealand, $A28/$NZ30; South Pacific countries, $A41; Other countries $A51 Published since 1886, Signs of the Times is printed 11 times a year by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is registered as a periodical. Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ABN 59 093 117 689 NOTE The inclusion of a person or their image within does not imply their endorsement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church or its beliefs. Unless otherwise stated, Bible verses are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, Anglicised. Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton. All rights reserved worldwide. COVER IMAGE: Talia Valderrama
WHAT IN THE WORLD Air rage WORLDWIDE
The holidays make for more crowded airports, and with that, more unruly passengers. In recent years, reports of verbal abuse, intoxication and noncompliance have surged globally. Experts say this is from stressors unique to flying: anxiety, cramped seating, frustration over delays, and alcohol or nicotine withdrawal. Airlines and airports are implementing support measures, but much depends on individual responses. Staff remind travellers that delays and inconveniences are often for passenger safety. Accepting a degree of discomfort can help reduce conflict and make the journey easier for everyone on board.—UNSW
Presence over productivity Do you incessantly check your emails over the holidays? Research says many of us do this because we tie our identity to our work, making it hard to switch off. Experts suggest creating barriers, like hiding your devices and introducing cues to activate other identities. Aspiring tennis player or artist? Keep your gear visible to remind your brain to focus on these aspects, helping you rest and enjoy your time off.—The Conversation 4
SIGNSMAG.COM • DECEMBER 2025
DANIEL, JE DESIGN, CHRIS ALFEUS—UNSPLASH & GETTY IMAGES
AUSTRALIA
Reindeer naps ALASKA
Despite all the talk of reindeer pulling sleighs through the sky, their busiest time of the year is actually summer, when they forage constantly to build fat reserves for the harsh winter ahead. To keep up with the high-pressure season, reindeer, like many of us, turn to multitasking—eating and napping at the same time. These opportunistic micro-sleeps give them the rest they need to recover from long days of foraging.—Science News
The Big Shabbat UNITED STATES
This November, more than 3000 people gathered in New York to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Shabbat dinner. The Big Shabbat welcomed all ages and backgrounds—cultural, spiritual, unaffiliated or simply curious. Guests enjoyed a family-style kosher vegetarian feast, lively music, dancing and rich tradition.—TimeOut
Volunteer crisis NEW ZEALAND
Volunteer rates have dropped worldwide due to time pressures, burnout and lack of support. New Zealand’s community sports are feeling the impact, with many clubs struggling to find people willing to commit to coaching roles. The average number of active volunteers per club has fallen from 31 to 18 over the past five years. This shortage limits opportunities for young athletes and weakens community bonds. With more mentoring and flexible roles, grassroots sports can bounce back.—University of Auckland DECEMBER 2025 • SIGNSMAG.COM
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XIYUAN DU—UNSPLASH
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My landmark in a lost world
I used to love getting lost on drives. Now, church helps me find my way home. JOSH STOTHERS
DECEMBER 2025 • SIGNSMAG.COM
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