A Christmas Message from Archbishop Charles C. Thompson

(En Espanol)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Blessed Solemnity of the Incarnation of the Living Word of God made Flesh as Savior of the World! Amid all the pomp and circumstance of the Christmas season, let us not overlook the true meaning of this special grace-filled time, namely, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Mary.

Try as we may with all the glitter, lights, bows, ribbons, packages, feasts, festivities and gifts, we simply cannot overstate the meaning of Christmas.

Because of original sin, stemming from the disobedience rooted in human pride, humanity had gone astray in our relationship with God and one another.

The Son of God was sent, not to condemn, but to save and redeem us from the effects of sin and death. We must always celebrate the birth of our Savior in the context of keeping before us his passion, death and resurrection. In fact, apart from the cross and empty tomb, the manger lacks any real sense of meaning.

As in past times, many live in very adverse situations of war, violence, injustice, economic hardship, poverty, sickness, disease and despair.

A deep sense of polarization has caused us to relate to one another with suspicion and disregard, leading to various means of shaming, dehumanizing and even demonizing those who disagree in practically every cultural facet of society.

The temptation of adherence to radical individualism is trying to create God in one’s ideological image rather than cherishing the fact that each of us is created in the image of God. We simply cannot save ourselves.

God chose to break through the drudgery of the human condition by becoming one like us in all things but sin. In Jesus Christ, we are provided the saving grace to overcome the condemnation effected by sinful pride, disobedience, idolatry, cruelty and indifference.

In Christ, hope is restored, and we have reason to rejoice in the Good News of Salvation.

So, bringing forth our gifts like the magi, let us prepare ourselves to embrace Pope Francis’ theme for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025 as “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Wishing you a blessed Christmas, with assurance of my prayers for each and all, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson