Christmas Message 2008
To all the dear Priests, Deacons and Catechists of the
Entire World
I extend my joyous
and fraternal wishes for a holy and festive Christmas, and that the year 2009
be enlightened, grace filled a full of accomplishments in the service of Jesus
Christ and of our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor or
suffering. Christmas does not confine us to a commemoration of an extraordinary
event in the past, recalled with gratitude and love, but it is also an event
which is actualised in the present day, in our midst.
Jesus Christ comes
because he loves us and wants to save us from evil: from every evil, and even
from death. He comes to welcome us, to make us experience his love, to
transform us into his disciples, true sons of the heavenly Father, to invite us
to proclaim in the entire world that God is Love, and that he loves us
unconditionally, without measure. Jesus comes! He becomes our companion on the
journey of life. Let us be gathered to him. Let us allow him to overcome us and
to make his dwelling within us. He will eat with us in an unimaginable
communion, in which he will have us experience the mysterious and efficacious
depth of his friendship and his salvation. Enlightened and transformed by this
encounter with Him we will be able to proclaim him to every man and woman of
our time. Behold, such is Christmas!
Cláudio Cardinal
Hummes
Archbishop Emeritus
of São Paulo
Prefect of the
Congregation for the Clergy