We are celebrating Christmas this year in an anxious world. Our world right now is trapped between a growing environmental crisis, atrocious regional wars, record numbers of displaced migrants and refugees, unprecedented levels of loneliness and depression, and deep political polarization. The sobering hope is that although death seems to reign supreme in this world, this is not the final chapter in God’s cosmic story of redemption. As we approach Christmas, we are seeking light amidst the darkness that exists in the world. Pope Francis emphasizes that the birth of Jesus represents the light overcoming darkness, a beacon of hope for all who are burdened by fear or sorrow. We begin the Jubilee Year at Christmas with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Every year the Christmas season reminds us of crib, carol, celebration, competitions and colourful decorations. However, a careful examination of the incarnation also reveals that it is a season and festival of justice. Most of the great Christmas carols focus not only on the downward movement of the incarnation, but the upward movement of man to God. Whatever justice looks like in this world, the beginning of it looks like Christmas: choosing light over darkness, joy over sorrow, and life over death.

May the Child Jesus help us to: put aside our differences and love one another, rise above our selfish desires and help one another, transcend our despair and fill one another with hope, reject deceit and uphold the truth boldly. May this Christmas be a Boundary Shattering and Border Crossing experience for all of us. As we usher in the New Year, let us embrace it with gratitude for the past and optimism for the future.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas - 2024 and a New Year - 2025 filled with health, peace, and happiness.