Cardinal Mar Baselios Klimis Catholica Bava, Malankara Syrian Catholic Church
: Christmas constantly reminds us of one thing. It means that God loves man unceasingly. Jesus Christ taught, “Love one another as I have loved you.” God’s love does not spare anyone, but extends to the last. That is why the angels announced the Nativity to the world as good news for all to have.
The spread of God’s love is perfected when we love others as ourselves. We are blocking the love of God from spreading to others by building walls of negativity. Dissent and violence in society arise when the great walls of religion, ideology and belief are raised. Society needs to interact not with metal-sharp weapons, but with deep heart ties.
God, who in the beginning spoke directly to man and through the prophets, later spoke through his only begotten Son. God wants man and man wants to live with God. Only human actions can prevent us from doing that. Recent events are a testament to the extent to which darkness pervades individual, family, and community lives.
May the message of love that Christmas brings lead us to the light. Remember, too, that only light can eliminate darkness.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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