Beloved in Christ,
As we approach the annual commemoration of the birth of Christ, I wish to offer my prayers and very best wishes for a holy and blessed Christmas.
In the year 1865, a man by the name of William Chatterton Dix composed a poem that has become a popular Christmas carol. The opening line of the carol poses a question; “What Child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
The Scripture readings at Mass on Christmas night answer that question definitively.
The prophetic voice of Isaiah proclaims: “They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” The apostolic voice of Paul responds: “The grace of God has appeared, saving all.” Luke the Evangelist tells us through the voice of the angels: “a saviour has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.”
There is one word that captures Christmas, and that word is Incarnation. Christmas is about the humility of God, God clothed in human flesh, God come to be with us. The astounding truth about Christmas is that God did not come to be with us in some partial way. He came to be like us in all things but sin. The Christian God is one who knows our condition not as an observer but as a participant. God in Christ knows our condition because He lived it.
In the face of daily challenges, in a world where so many are affected by confusion and hopelessness, by illness, and ‘losses’ of all kinds, we need the message of Christmas: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is Emmanuel! He is God with us, loving us, suffering with us, caring for us, holding us.
In the diocese of Roseau, this year has been a busy one as we marked the Jubilee of Hope with many events and gatherings. Throughout the year we were reminded of the Hope that does not disappoint. Christmas and hope are interlaced. The birth of Christ brings divine light, redemption, and the promise of restoration. It offers us an anchor against the storms and sorrows of life. Christmas is all about hope, because the Second Person of the Trinity, in becoming man has given us a share in the glory of His immortal nature. He has freed us from death, and the power of sin and darkness.
He has made us heirs to eternal salvation.
Saint Augustine says that God “has promised men divinity, mortals immortality, sinners justification, the poor a rising to glory.” The birth of Christ is God’s fulfillment of that promise.
At Christmas, we celebrate God’s gift to us in the person of His only begotten Son. But Christmas also invites us to offer ourselves as gift. The Christmas season can be a struggle for those who are alone, who have lost loved ones, those who go without the basic necessities of life. I encourage us to show God’s love and peace to all, most especially to those for whom the joy of Christmas is elusive.
My brothers and sisters, I pray that our Heavenly Father will abundantly bless you and all those you love. May He shower you with every grace and blessing throughout the coming year.
May you have a Blessed Christmas, filled with peace, joy and love!
Most Rev. Kendrick J. Forbes
Bishop of Roseau
Thank you for your words Excellency. In ancient times, Advent had certain Lenten rigors to prepare and purify the believers for the great event of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. May you continue to be a good shepherd for the dominican flock, and may you have a Blessed Christmas as well.
my dear bishop….did jesus really born on Christmas day? on a cold night….? what were the animals eating? snow?explain?? something is not so very clear?
Jeremiah 10:1-5
10 Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:
2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.