This Christmas, the Holy Father will officially open the Jubilee of Hope with the Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter. With the theme, "Pilgrims of Hope," "Lakbay Pag- asa," Pope Francis wants to lead us to a year-long journey "to restore a climate of hope and trust, to fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision." This message of hope is what so many of us need.
Let us take to heart the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone." In a very dark world we are living in, we do not lose hope because the Star of Bethlehem will light our path and guide us in our journey.
The circumstances of the first Christmas were very much like ours today. Our world today is no different. It was filled with lamentations and longings for freedom and redemption. It was dark. It was night. In this darkness, the light has shone, and hope was born. The angel said to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David, a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."
Our God is Emmanuel. He is not distant. He is not far away. He has a face. He has a name. He has a family. He is with us. He was born in our midst. He has entered into human history. God the creator of all things, God the all-powerful and almighty, has become so tiny that He could fit in a manger. So helpless and powerless that He could be carried in our arms. According to the ancient fathers of the Church, He is God who "abbreviated" Himself, who made Himself so small that we may no longer be afraid of Him. This gives us hope. This gives us strength. We are not alone in our journey.
May the Holy Year of 2025 make us agents of hope and heralds of joy in our communities. I pray for all of you and your families that you may not allow despair and resignation to take away your hope. Jesus, born among us, is the reason for our hope. Without Jesus, there is no hope. His love makes us stronger to face all life's difficulties. His hope will not disappoint us. Let us start our journey together as pilgrims of hope.
Maligayang Pasko po sa ating lahat!
+ JOSE F. CARDINAL ADVINCULA
Archbishop of Manila
*cover photo from The Manila Cathedral Facebook page
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