Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Fr. Dr. Jamal D’aibis has issued the 2021 Christmas Message.
The message says in part, “In the Advent Season, we remember the Grotto of Nativity with Blessed Mary, St. Joseph, and the Child Lord Jesus. The shepherds kneel before Him, and the Magi present Him with gifts. This scene is not complete unless we leave the Grotto of Nativity and view what takes place outside. There Augustus Caesar issues orders to conduct a census in the country so as to increase taxes. On the other hand, Herod–the unjust king in Jerusalem who was not pleased with the birth of the baby Jesus–sent his soldiers to kill all the children of Bethlehem. At the time, the Holy Family leaves Nazareth for Bethlehem when Blessed Mary was pregnant with Lord Jesus. When they arrived in Bethlehem, they could not find accommodation. So, Lord Jesus was born in a poor grotto, which is a place of residence for those who have no home.”
He adds in the Christmas Message, “The Holy Bible provides the framework and context in which Lord Jesus Christ was incarnated. It does not tell us a 2,000-years-old story, but rather tells us how and where the Savior is born today in our lives. The Holy Bible tells us that the Incarnation took place in a cruel world abounding with sins and evil. Herod was enraged and consequently sent his soldiers to kill the children in Bethlehem while Saint Joseph alongside Blessed Mary and the child Jesus fled that night to Egypt. On that night, in the nativity grotto, and without being noticed by many people, “for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.” In the darkness of that night, and in the darkness of the world, the light of the world was born. He was the One whom the people of the old times waited for centuries in His capacity as the salvation of all peoples. This is what we contemplate in the grotto with Mary and Joseph, and with those who came to prostrate to Him.”
The patriarchal vicar continues: “Beloved brethren, today’s world still suffers from evil and sin, and people are still suffering from the cruelty of this world, especially in the light of the current epidemic and the various crises associated with it. Man is still killing his fellow man. This is the world that the Holy Gospel presents to us. This is the world we live in today. This is the world in which Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the world, incarnates in man. Let us glorify God with angels with a hymn, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on Earth peace.’ Let us glorify God in the highest heaven so that peace may come to our land. And let us glorify God with the shepherds who returned to glorify and praise God for all that they saw and heard.”
He adds, “Brothers, Christmas is a feast of joy; it is a feast of childhood; and it is a feast of reconciliation with God and with the relatives. Let us rejoice together by not excluding anyone from this joy, especially the poor and the afflicted. Let us pray for all those we have lost during the past period especially because of the Corona epidemic. Let us pray for all those who suffer from this disease, and let us mention them in our prayers with love as we protect ourselves and protect others from this epidemic. We all know what measures we must take, so let us commit ourselves to them especially in our churches and in our gatherings in order that we may live this Feast in peace, joy and tranquility.”
Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Fr. Jamal D’aibis concluded his 2021 Christmas Message saying: “We extend our congratulations on this holiday to all Christians, to all our Jordanian people, and to our Hashemite leadership. Have a blessed feast for all and a new year filled with prosperity and peace, merry Christmas.”
Munir Bayouk/ en.abouna.org
