Dear sisters and brothers, Wishing you a joyful Christmas!
Tonight, we witness the timeless miracle that continues to inspire and touch our hearts: the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, in a humble manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes by the Virgin Mary. The shepherds of Bethlehem, filled with joy, found Him as the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God and peace to men” (cf. Lk 2:6-14). Peace to all.
This extraordinary event, dating back over two thousand years, is brought to life once again by the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit of Love and Life that made Mary the vessel for the birth of Jesus. Today, amidst the challenges of our world, the eternal message of salvation is incarnated anew, reaching out to every individual, every nation. It is a message of love, forgiveness, and an open invitation to return to Him.
Dear brothers and sisters, the door to God’s heart is always open; let us embrace His forgiveness, His love, and reconciliation. Let us allow ourselves to be forgiven and healed by Him.
This Christmas, as we embark on the Jubilee Year, I urge each one of us to have the courage to walk through the Door of Mercy, symbolized by Jesus, the Door of salvation open to all. He is the Shepherd guiding us back to the Father’s embrace, the Prince of Peace.
Do not hesitate, for the Door is wide open! Let us seek reconciliation with God, with ourselves, and with one another. Let us heed the call to leave behind our conflicts and divisions, and step into the arms of the Child who brings peace. This Christmas, let us be pilgrims of hope, agents of peace, and champions of unity!
As we celebrate this season, let us remember those in need around the world. Let us pray for peace in war-torn regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. Let us extend a helping hand to the suffering communities in Africa and Asia, ravaged by conflict, disease, and poverty.
May the birth of Christ inspire leaders and individuals in the Americas to seek justice, harmony, and respect for all. Let the Jubilee Year be a time to tear down walls of separation, to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and solidarity.
Jesus, the Door of salvation, beckons us to rediscover the sacredness of life, to embrace the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the oppressed. He waits for us at the threshold, ready to heal, to forgive, and to restore. Let us open our hearts to Him, and to all those in need of love, compassion, and hope.
On this special day, let us express our gratitude to all those who serve selflessly, bringing light and comfort to others. To parents, educators, healthcare workers, and missionaries, we say thank you for your dedication and compassion.
As we journey through the Jubilee Year, let us seek forgiveness, extend mercy, and embrace the spirit of reconciliation. Just as the Son of God forgave us, let us forgive others and open our hearts to His transformative love.
Wishing you all a peaceful and blessed Christmas!
