Bishop Solis' 2018 Christmas Message

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Christmas is a holy season of joy and gladness. It is a constant reminder of the greatness of God’s love for us; that He sent His only begotten Son, born of the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior of the World. We rejoice at the birth of Christ because it is the fulfilment of God’s promise of salvation to a humanity broken by sin. Our hearts are filled with gladness, knowing and believing that Christ is the assurance of our redemption, paving the way to reconciliation and peace among people of good will.

The birth of Christ reveals the incarnation of the Son of God who, even in His divine majesty, took the lowly human form to be one like us except for sin. He came to restore our special dignity as God’s creatures, formed in His own image, precious in His eyes and gifted to be His adopted children, a chosen race and a holy nation destined to be with Him forever. God becoming man is living proof that love can overcome hate, good is stronger than evil, hope will prevail over despair.

Christmas is God’s significant moment to reveal His loving, saving and abiding presence in us. This is His inspiring message to our troubled world, which is filled with violence, hatred, sadness and division. The Almighty God dwelt among us in lowliness amidst these troubles so we can find the genuine happiness that no material thing can give, receive wisdom to understand truth and discover the goodness in our heart to learn to forgive, to bring healing and reconciliation.

Despite the passage of years, we still live in a broken world. Obviously, we have not learned yet the gracious art and Christian habit of being peacemakers and builders of a civilization of love, justice and peace.

However, there is hope. God does not allow human history to end in tragedy. He sent His Son to redeem us. Emmanuel, God is with us! This is what we celebrate on Christmas. This is the reason for our rejoicing. Our precious gift of the Savior of the world has a counterpart responsibility. God has defined our mission to fulfill on earth. Let us welcome the Messiah into our heart and share this blessing with one another, not just by our words but also by our lives. Make known the saving and healing presence of Christ, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given. … He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”(Is 9:6).

Merry Christmas filled with God’s gifts of love, joy and peace!