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Hindu extremists' threats of a state-wide strike or bandh on December 25 failed to materialise – and Christmas celebrations passed off peacefully, amid heightened security. In fact, in many places, Hindus 'expressed solidarity with the Christians and joined the Christmas celebration', according to Orissa Follow Up, a church training organisation.

There are huge challenges ahead, not least the task of resettling thousands of people displaced by recent violence. Hundreds are still hiding in forests.

The Supreme Court has directed the Orissa state government to take all necessary steps to protect religious minorities – or resign. Judges directed the Orissa authorities to rebuild churches destroyed in recent months.

The violence appears to have subsided but tensions remain high. In Orissa's Gajapati district, extremists warned people to observe the Christmas Day bandh or be killed. There was a heavy police presence in the area and no reported violence. And in Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, a group of pastors and church elders were severely beaten by Hindu militants who attacked them on their way home from a prayer meeting on December 23.

Hindu extremists launched several weeks of attacks against Christians after one of their spiritual leaders, Laxmanananda Saraswati, was murdered in Kandhamal in late-August. Hindu militants blame Christians for the murder – despite the fact Maoists have claimed responsibility for it.

(Source: Assist News Service, Christian Post, Friends of Orissa, Orissa Follow Up, VOM Canada)

Praise God for signs of peace and reconciliation in Orissa after weeks of bloodshed. Pray that moderate religious leaders will help promote peace.

Pray for Christians still in displacement camps or living rough who face an uncertain future.

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