Press statement
Dear friends,
“Unto us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11,14).
This is the Christmas message that I bring to you.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace, may peace dwell in our homes and our societies.
Times are indeed hard and we all bear witness to the challenges that the world is currently faced with. But it is precisely because of this that we must look after the well-being of one another.
There is no better time to show our love for our neighbours than now that times are hard, now that families are facing hunger, now that we are facing security threats, economic instability and diseases compounded by the continued mutation of the coronavirus. It is now that we must look after one another in love. It is now we must pray together to God for a better future.
My call to you this Christmas is that you reach out to one another in love. Let us extend the gift of love and comfort to our neighbors and those who are hurting.
Let us remain prayerful, believing that God has the power to change our circumstances. Let us remember, that the evil things and times of this world will not last forever. They are ever changing and fading. Only God’s righteousness endures forever, as Psalm 112:9 assures us. God’s righteousness is ever unhurt by time and circumstances. Even when life strips us of everything we possess, God’s righteousness endures forever. This is the hope we hold as our anchor.
Let us remember that the baby Jesus was born not in the best of conditions, yet his coming brought the best news that is new for every generation. May this Christmas message of hope be with you, and may you celebrate with the joy that transcends any difficult circumstances you may be facing now.
For those living under the dark clouds of insecurity, I appeal to you in the words of the apostle Peter, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). I pray for you that you have a blessed Christmas and that you too bear witness to the hope we have in Christ to your neighbors, families, friends and communities. In Jesus name.
Merry Christmas!
Most Rev Musa Panti Filibus PhD
Archbishop, LCCN
