Merry and Blessed Christmas

“Many, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’, let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord” (Psalm 4,7)

Around two thousand years ago, a great light shone in our Land, on the face of Jesus, and illuminated the world. The simple shepherds who worked in the fields of Bethlehem saw the glory of the Lord that shone around them, and the wise Magi, who scrutinized the stars and the constellations, in their search for the truth, saw a star that guided them to the baby of Bethlehem. From that day, the light of the Messiah never died away, and the fire he lit in the world burned always in the hearts of many believers who loved Him, served Him - publicly or secretly - and warmed the world with their loyalty and their love to all human beings.

Tonight, may we be counted among those whose eyes shine with the light of Christ. We pray for those who seek light in their lives and do not find it. Our prayer also, with pain and sorrow, for those to whom, instead of bringing the light of the Messiah, we darkened their eyes and hearts with the evil of our deeds. Let the light of your face shine on us and on them, O Lord, and teach us again and again to follow the paths of justice, peace and brotherhood, for the sake of your name.

Happy feast to everybody!

Fr Rafic Nahra
Latin Patriarchal Vicar