Friday - Making Peace
WEEK TWO - PEACE
Written By Grace Abu Mohor • Jerusalem School at Bethlehem
Making Peace
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Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
This verse is more than a motto for our school—it is our mission. In a region often marked by conflict, division, and fear, God has placed Jerusalem School Bethlehem as a light—a place where peace is taught, lived, and shared.
The world around us, especially here in the Middle East, is filled with unrest. War and violence have become familiar. Many young people grow up surrounded by messages of hatred, anger, and revenge. But in the middle of this darkness, we are called to be different. We are called to be peacemakers.
Over our 30 years, God has done great things through this school. One story stands out—a Muslim student carried deep anger and saw violence as the answer. Through the love and care of our Christian teachers, his heart began to change. At our school, he encountered a different message—a message of love, forgiveness, and truth. Eventually, this student went to America to continue his studies and is now successful in his career. His life was changed forever. His heart was turned from hatred to peace.
This is the power of the Gospel at work—not through force, but through faithfulness.
Today, we face new challenges. Political barriers, travel restrictions, and instability have caused a shortage of American teachers, which have been a strength at our school. Yet God has not forgotten us. His faithfulness continues. Many of our former students, after completing university, have returned to teach here. These young men and women were once shaped in our classrooms, and now they are shaping others—continuing the mission that impacted their own lives. They are the fruit of years of faithful teaching and planting seeds of peace.
As the founder and director of the Jerusalem School at Bethlehem, I believe we are called to continue this legacy. We are not just building a school—we are building lives. We are shaping a new generation that understands peace is not weakness, but strength. A generation that chooses love instead of hate, hope instead of despair, and Christ instead of chaos.
During this Advent season, may we all remember that peace begins within the heart. True peace does not come from circumstances or surroundings, but from knowing Christ- the Prince of Peace. When His peace rules in us, we become bearers of peace to others—in our homes, our communities, and our world. To make peace is to reflect the very heart of God, who sent His Son to reconcile the world to Himself.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the work You are doing through Jerusalem School Bethlehem. Thank You for every student, teacher, and leader who shares Your love in this place. Continue to use the school as a light in the midst of darkness.
And Lord, help me, wherever I am, to be a peacemaker in this Advent season. Fill my heart with Your peace so that it overflows to those around me. May I live as one who brings calm where there is conflict and peace where there is pain. Amen
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The Jerusalem American School (JAS) is an American-accredited school by the United States National Accreditation Board, Cognia and the League of Christian Schools, accredited by the College Board and locally by the Israeli and Palestinian Ministry of Education. We build engaged learners who perform at their full potential to demonstrate intellectual excellence, strong character, and innovative leadership so they can contribute to society.
American Jerusalem School – Bethlehem
Sahel Street, Bethlehem
+972 2 276 5779