Archbishop Nicholas Chia's 2006 Christmas Message
Archbishop Nicholas Chia's 2006 Christmas Message27 Dec, 06
My Dear People of God,
We live in a world darkened by war, violence, natural disasters, suffering of different kinds - poverty, sickness, loneliness, rejection, discrimination, failures, the death of loved ones, disappointment etc... Fortunately the lamp that Jesus lit when he came into the world continues to burn. His light was not lit in Bethlehem once and then extinguished! It shines in the midst of devastation, disaster and upheaval. It is a persistent and defiant light which no darkness can overpower. It shines for all who believe in him and follow him.
Jesus' luminous goodness shone throughout his life through his teaching and ministry of love and service. Countless number of people came to him in darkness and went away bathed in light - the sick, the blind, the widows, the lepers, the sinners, the outcasts.
The glowing goodness of Jesus continues to illuminate the world. In Jesus and in his Gospel we have a sure source of light. His light has come to show us how to live and guide us towards God's eternal Kingdom. "Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will always have the light of life." His light brings us peace and fulfilment. Each of us can be a source of light to a darkened world. But unless our own lamp is lit we won't be able to enlighten anyone else.
There is great joy being in the light but there is even greater joy in being a source of light for others. God has called us out of darkness into the wonderful light of his Son. We must try to live as children of the light. The effects of the light are seen in goodness, right living, truth and loving service.
Christmas reminds us that Christ the Light has come. Let our hearts be open to receive him and let us radiate his light to our family members, our fellow Catholics, our neighbours, our colleagues and those we come into contact with by our kindness, concern, love and service. In a special way let us reach out in love and compassion to the poor, the sick, the lonely.
A very Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year to you!
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Archbishop Nicholas Chia
My Dear People of God,
We live in a world darkened by war, violence, natural disasters, suffering of different kinds - poverty, sickness, loneliness, rejection, discrimination, failures, the death of loved ones, disappointment etc... Fortunately the lamp that Jesus lit when he came into the world continues to burn. His light was not lit in Bethlehem once and then extinguished! It shines in the midst of devastation, disaster and upheaval. It is a persistent and defiant light which no darkness can overpower. It shines for all who believe in him and follow him.
Jesus' luminous goodness shone throughout his life through his teaching and ministry of love and service. Countless number of people came to him in darkness and went away bathed in light - the sick, the blind, the widows, the lepers, the sinners, the outcasts.
The glowing goodness of Jesus continues to illuminate the world. In Jesus and in his Gospel we have a sure source of light. His light has come to show us how to live and guide us towards God's eternal Kingdom. "Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will always have the light of life." His light brings us peace and fulfilment. Each of us can be a source of light to a darkened world. But unless our own lamp is lit we won't be able to enlighten anyone else.
There is great joy being in the light but there is even greater joy in being a source of light for others. God has called us out of darkness into the wonderful light of his Son. We must try to live as children of the light. The effects of the light are seen in goodness, right living, truth and loving service.
Christmas reminds us that Christ the Light has come. Let our hearts be open to receive him and let us radiate his light to our family members, our fellow Catholics, our neighbours, our colleagues and those we come into contact with by our kindness, concern, love and service. In a special way let us reach out in love and compassion to the poor, the sick, the lonely.
A very Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year to you!
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Archbishop Nicholas Chia