Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem which is God’s loving entry into human history. In this mystery of the Incarnation God revealed to us the depths of his abounding love for humankind, states the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in a Christmas message.
The message adds: “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16)
“Jesus has made it abundantly clear that by his coming into our midst he wants us to share in the fullness of life which he alone can give (John 10/10). He wants us to live our lives as meaningful of this mystery of Incarnation. Jesus invites all of us to come to experience this fullness of life he offers. Hence, our celebration of Christmas cannot and should not be a mere recalling of a past event. It is an occasion to understand more deeply the real value of life and to witness to this fullness in the society we live.
“Christmas therefore reminds us of the need to invite Jesus into our lives, our families and our society. This seemingly simple birth in a stable in Bethlehem is a universal call towards conversion so that we would be more sensitive to the needs of others irrespective of various differences. We have just concluded the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by the Holy Father Pope Francis. Although the Jubilee Year has come to a conclusion the spirit of the year, namely, mercy and compassion towards other beings need to continue and should permeate to all aspects in our daily lives.
“As we meditate on the sacredness and value of life during Christmas we are called to condemn all that is detrimental to the promotion of life such as abortion and other forms of killing and destruction. Our minds and thoughts are directed also to our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith especially in some countries in the Middle Eastern region.
“While we engage in various forms of charitable activities during Christmas we also have a duty to be more sensitive to the human needs and sufferings prevailing in our society. We need to be sensitive also to the environment as well specially during Christmas.
This should be done by avoiding the wastage of food, cutting down trees and large amounts of electricity usage for exaggerated decorations. Let us commit ourselves to changing all that is not in keeping with God’s holy will in our midst by becoming agents of peace, harmony and reconciliation. As we give thanks to God for the beautiful gift of Jesus let us pray that all of us will be renewed by the Spirit to be living witnesses of the Lord Jesus.
“We wish all our Faithful, our fellow citizens and all men and women of goodwill a Blessed Christmas!