This is France, not Indonesia. Every March, an invitation resonates throughout France: to open, read and find inspiration for life from the Bible. In 2026, that spirit was strengthened when more than 200 bookstores in various French cities joined in celebrating Bible Month 2026, a national movement that seeks to put Scripture back at the centre of public life.
The event was jointly organised by the French Bible Institute, the publisher Bibli’O, and the French Association of Publishers and Spiritual Bookshops (SLLR). Bible Month 2026 is an annual event dedicated to promoting the Bible in various translations and media to a wide audience.
Message of Peace for a Restless World
The theme for 2026 is relevant to the uncertain times. The theme is: "The Bible, Source of Peace" (La Bible, Source de Paix). This theme invites people to look again at how the messages of the Bible can bring peace in a world that is often plagued by conflict, division, and anxiety.
This theme was not chosen by chance. In many passages of Scripture, the message of peace continues to resonate. For Bible Month 2026, the committee chose a key verse from James 3:18: "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace to those who make peace."
This verse was specially printed on bookmarks distributed during Bible Month celebrations. It's a simple sentence, but full of meaning: peace is not something that happens on its own. Peace needs to be sown, nurtured, and realised through concrete actions in everyday life.
Through the reflections provided on the official Bible Month website, readers are invited to realise that the call to be peacemakers has been echoing from the very first page of Scripture. From the stories in Genesis to the eschatological hope in Revelation, the message of peace has always been present as a common thread that unites the entire biblical narrative. And to this day, that message remains relevant & even more important & for the lives of modern man.
Bookstores That Bring the Bible to Life
One of the unique features of Bible Month in France is the active involvement of its bookshops. During the month of March, hundreds of participating bookstores do not just sell books, but also become spaces for visitors to encounter Scripture.
Some bookstores adorned their storefronts with creative decorations that attracted the attention of passersby. Others set up special tables filled with various editions of the Bible and companion books. Some stores organise activities such as lectures, workshops, book discussions, and Bible study group meetings.
To support these activities, the French Bible Society has prepared various promotional materials that are widely distributed, including:
- 800 posters
- 20,000 bookmarks
- 22,000 colouring cards
- 17,000 brochures
All these materials are available for free at participating spiritual bookstores. This way, visitors not only read about the theme of peace, but can also take home a small reminder that connects them to the message.
Joint Reflection on Peace
Ahead of Bible Month, the French Bible Institute invites the public to answer a seemingly simple yet profound question:
“How has the Bible been a source of peace for you? ”
This question drew a wide range of responses. Some people wrote down their personal experiences of finding comfort in God's word. Others shared how certain verses helped them face life struggles, make decisions, or restore relationships with others.
Selected responses are now published on the official Bible Month website. The testimonies show that for many, the Bible is not just an ancient book, but a living source of inspiration that comforts, guides, and gives direction to daily life.
In this way, Bible Month in France is not only a biblical literacy campaign, but also a spiritual invitation. An invitation to return to the Scriptures and discover that in the midst of a world that often feels noisy and full of conflict, the Bible still presents a gentle yet powerful voice that invites people to sow and bring peace.
Translated from: ubscommunity.org
