Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – Christmas 2008 will be marked by a sense of insecurity, on account of the economic crisis that has affected the nation and its families. Thus, now more than ever, “we are all seeking the traditional blessings of the Christmas season – joy, peace and goodwill to all people.” This is what is read in the Christmas Message from the Australian Bishops' Conference, signed by its President Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide.
The Archbishop recognizes that the aid organizations and social services are closely perceiving the difficulties of families, the unemployed, of the ever-growing number of poor people, all affected by the economic crisis.
The Message seeks to inspire courage and hope in the faithful and the entire Australian population, recalling the Mystery of Christmas: Jesus, who is born not in a well-to-do family or amidst worldly comforts, but in poverty. When God became man, the text reads, “He didn’t earn multi-million dollar bonuses...Jesus Christ was born of a lowly maiden in a stable and raised by a carpenter. And yet despite these humble beginnings, Jesus Christ had a profound impact on the world and continues to be present in people’s lives today.”
The Archbishop recalled that the love of God for every person never changes and lasts forever: “This Christmas, Christians all over the world will draw strength from knowing that far from being an anonymous cog in the economic machinery, each human being is precious beyond understanding, having been individually created, known, and loved by God. Indeed, God loves us so much that he became human.”
Every member of the faithful, the text says, is called to welcome Jesus Christ in his heart and in his life, so they can “begin to make sense of the things happening around us. Hope, joy and peace begin to take the edges off our anxiety and fear.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2008)
