May this Christmas, with the Jubilee as its backdrop, be a time of renewal, grace and joyful pilgrimage towards the One who is Emmanuel: God with us.
Christmas is an invitation to look “with God’s eyes” to discover and rediscover “that He has chosen the way of littleness, descending into our midst” (The Pope to Christians in Istanbul – November 28 2025).
This child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger is the foundation of our hope, for in Him all God's promises are fulfilled. He is God's yes to humanity. In Him, we are told once again that God walks with us, that God is not indifferent to our global reality, and that we can count on God as we continue to take steps towards transformation, bringing to birth, not without labour pains, a new humanity, reconciled with itself and with all creation.
God invites us to be actors, not spectators, and to ‘take charge of reality’ with all the challenges and opportunities it offers us in our daily lives, wherever we may be.
No matter how commercialised Christmas may be, with all the lights, messages, gatherings... aren't they a sign that this Child in the manger brings a message of ‘peace to the humanity that God loves’? Christmas reminds us of God's plan for us: a plan that makes us sons and daughters, sisters and brothers (a Family), a plan of harmony and peace, a family called above all to care for and integrate those who are excluded. It is up to each and every one of us to ensure that this Christmas spirit lives on with us every day of the New Year.
Merry Christmas! Happy Feast of the Holy Family!