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Jasmine Duckworth explores different ways people find peace during Advent through Jesus, family, and worship. She highlights how moments of silence and togetherness both create a sense of belonging. The post shows peace living in everyday connections and shared experiences.
Photo by Esten Erbol on Unsplash
Listening to the Voices That Matter
I was asked to write on the topic of “peace at Christmas” based on conversations with people I work for at Karis Disability Services.
I have the honour of supporting a group of self-advocates in Ottawa and Kingston called Our Voices Matter, so I turned to them. Their purpose is to make the world better for people with disabilities, and they’re always eager to contribute their voices. When I asked if they would like to answer some questions to help with this blog post, they quickly said yes.
I explained the topic and asked the group the following question:
“When I say ‘peace at Christmas,’ what do you think of?”
“Jesus!…and family, friends…neighbours…and the people that work with us.”
Terry immediately exclaimed, “Jesus!” Then he paused and added, “…and family, friends…neighbours…and the people that work with us.”
Steven also thought of baby Jesus.
Delia thought of candles.
Patricia said “peace and quiet.”
Connor said “family,” which led to a conversation about how family time can sometimes include “lots of arguing.”
Mo then clarified that “peace at Christmas” would mean absolutely no fighting.
“When it’s just you in the room with God, or whatever you believe in, you don’t need to worry about what’s outside. You just worry about you.”
Where Do You Feel Most Peaceful?
The conversation wandered a bit before I asked another question:
“When you think about Christmas, and all the things you usually do, and places you go during Christmastime, when do you feel most peaceful?”
This question changed the tone of the conversation. Where the first question had sparked a brainstorm of ideas, this question slowed things down and brought silence as people really thought hard.
After a moment, Delia and Terry talked about their church and how they find peace at worship services during Christmas.
Mo said he feels most at peace in silence, and there were many sounds of agreement from the rest of the group. He explained,
“when it’s just you in the room with God, or whatever you believe in, you don’t need to worry about what’s outside. You just worry about you. You have to love and respect yourself first before you can love and respect others.”
As Mo spoke I could hear others exclaiming “yeah,” “that’s true,” or repeating phrases like “you just worry about yourself.” Mo was saying the words but it was clear he was speaking what was on several people’s hearts.
On that final note of appreciating time alone, we wrapped up and said goodnight.
“These spaces can be loud and busy, yet they can still be places we find peace—when we know we belong.”
What Their Answers Revealed
The whole conversation was brief, but I thought about it for a few days. What stood out to me was the diversity of their answers. Family, friends, neighbours, support staff, and churches are all rooted in community. These spaces can be loud and busy, yet they can still be places we find peace in relationships—when we know we belong.
And then there were the answers rooted in solitude and faith: Jesus, silence, moments spent alone, and practising love for oneself. Many self-advocates live with housemates and have staff support around the clock, so time alone can be rare. But even so, they recognize and appreciate moments of peace—whether in the middle of noise or in the quiet.
“The LORD blesses his people with peace.”
Peace as a Gift
Their reflections reminded me of Psalm 29:11:
The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace. (NIrV)
This Christmas season, may we pay attention to the many ways peace is already present in our lives. In all the diverse moments we encounter—calm or chaotic—may we recognize and appreciate the peace that the Lord has blessed us with.
About the Author:
Jasmine Duckworth:
Jasmine has been working with Karis Disability Services since 2004, and has been disabled herself since 2015. When not working as a Community Development Manager she is a mom, wife, and obsessive knitter. She can be reached at jduckworth@karis.org.
Recent Posts:
Jasmine Duckworth explores different ways people find peace during Advent through Jesus, family, and worship. She highlights how moments of silence and togetherness both create a sense of belonging. The post shows peace living in everyday connections and shared experiences.
Photo by Esten Erbol on Unsplash
Listening to the Voices That Matter
I was asked to write on the topic of “peace at Christmas” based on conversations with people I work for at Karis Disability Services.
I have the honour of supporting a group of self-advocates in Ottawa and Kingston called Our Voices Matter, so I turned to them. Their purpose is to make the world better for people with disabilities, and they’re always eager to contribute their voices. When I asked if they would like to answer some questions to help with this blog post, they quickly said yes.
I explained the topic and asked the group the following question:
“When I say ‘peace at Christmas,’ what do you think of?”
“Jesus!…and family, friends…neighbours…and the people that work with us.”
Terry immediately exclaimed, “Jesus!” Then he paused and added, “…and family, friends…neighbours…and the people that work with us.”
Steven also thought of baby Jesus.
Delia thought of candles.
Patricia said “peace and quiet.”
Connor said “family,” which led to a conversation about how family time can sometimes include “lots of arguing.”
Mo then clarified that “peace at Christmas” would mean absolutely no fighting.
“When it’s just you in the room with God, or whatever you believe in, you don’t need to worry about what’s outside. You just worry about you.”
Where Do You Feel Most Peaceful?
The conversation wandered a bit before I asked another question:
“When you think about Christmas, and all the things you usually do, and places you go during Christmastime, when do you feel most peaceful?”
This question changed the tone of the conversation. Where the first question had sparked a brainstorm of ideas, this question slowed things down and brought silence as people really thought hard.
After a moment, Delia and Terry talked about their church and how they find peace at worship services during Christmas.
Mo said he feels most at peace in silence, and there were many sounds of agreement from the rest of the group. He explained,
“when it’s just you in the room with God, or whatever you believe in, you don’t need to worry about what’s outside. You just worry about you. You have to love and respect yourself first before you can love and respect others.”
As Mo spoke I could hear others exclaiming “yeah,” “that’s true,” or repeating phrases like “you just worry about yourself.” Mo was saying the words but it was clear he was speaking what was on several people’s hearts.
On that final note of appreciating time alone, we wrapped up and said goodnight.
“These spaces can be loud and busy, yet they can still be places we find peace—when we know we belong.”
What Their Answers Revealed
The whole conversation was brief, but I thought about it for a few days. What stood out to me was the diversity of their answers. Family, friends, neighbours, support staff, and churches are all rooted in community. These spaces can be loud and busy, yet they can still be places we find peace in relationships—when we know we belong.
And then there were the answers rooted in solitude and faith: Jesus, silence, moments spent alone, and practising love for oneself. Many self-advocates live with housemates and have staff support around the clock, so time alone can be rare. But even so, they recognize and appreciate moments of peace—whether in the middle of noise or in the quiet.
“The LORD blesses his people with peace.”
Peace as a Gift
Their reflections reminded me of Psalm 29:11:
The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace. (NIrV)
This Christmas season, may we pay attention to the many ways peace is already present in our lives. In all the diverse moments we encounter—calm or chaotic—may we recognize and appreciate the peace that the Lord has blessed us with.