CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2024

Most Rev. REX ANDREW C. ALARCON, D.D.

Archbishop of Caceres

As Christmastime was approaching, we have been experiencing continuous rains, some landslides, worsening road situation, kilometric traffic, long hours of travel, rising prices of commodities. These are beside the fact that we are still trying to recover from recent calamities.

If we simply focus our attention to the external circumstances and the material trappings of Christmas, we will say, there is no Christmas. In this case, Christmas has been synonymous with simply material blessings. But there is something greater than the gifts, decorations and carols. Let us look harder. There is a light that shines on Christmas.

Jesus comes into our midst when we are in the dark; when we seem to drown in our vices, when we are overcome by evil; in the midst of confusion or in the brink of despair; when we are about to give up – Jesus comes to save us, to help us rise anew, to recover, to move on, to be new once again.

I invite you, dear brothers and sisters, to turn inside, into our hearts; into our homes and communities. Let Jesus our Savior be born anew in our hearts, in our families and communities – in our relationships. Let us rediscover the gift of persons.

And, I also invite you to go out. Let us give love these days of Christmas. We can offer a consoling presence, a listening ear, a kind gesture, a sincere wish, a wholehearted service, patient accompaniment, generous availability, wholehearted sharing of goods, a joyful Christmas Carol, brotherly visit, a friendly call, a welcoming embrace, a compassionate gesture, a selfless act. When we strive to do these and welcome Jesus in our hearts, surely, our Christmas, will be bright!

I pray that this Christmas, we may experience the love of God made concrete in Jesus, the Emmanuel. May your holy days and holidays be blessed! Merry Christmas!