On a holy night 2,000 years ago, the Son of God became man. He was born in a lowly stable and dwelt among us.

“I bring you good news of a great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:10-11).

This Christmas, the angel’s proclamation rings out again, inviting each one of us to welcome the Saviour. Let us not hesitate to allow him into our homes, our parishes, our schools, our workplaces, and our communities!

It’s understandable that many ask whether we still believe we need a “Saviour.” After all, this is 2017. Is a saviour still needed by a civilization that has reached the moon and is ready to conquer the universe? By a humanity that has succeeded in deciphering the marvellous codes of the human genome? Is a saviour needed by a world that navigates the Internet and has made the earth, our common home, a global village?

However, there is another side to our triumphs and achievements. In the Lower Mainland, homelessness abounds and human trafficking robs countless women and children of their dignity.

Others are victims of racial and religious intolerance and discrimination. There is growing political interference and moral coercion with regard to the free exercise of religion and professions of faith.

And what of those who are trapped in the loneliness of cities and who often end up enslaved to alcohol or drugs? What about those who “choose” death in the belief that they are celebrating life?

All of us need to be saved, freed from all that holds us back from living as God desires us to live.

Insofar as humanity today seeks a path of renewal, “something better,” it is seeking the coming of a Saviour who will renew and reverse the suffering and evil in the world. Perhaps unconsciously, our world is awaiting the coming of Christ, the one true Redeemer.

 Yes, we need a Saviour. And in his merciful goodness that Saviour has become flesh and dwelt among us. At Christmas we celebrate that Jesus comes “unto his own,” and to those who receive him he gives “the power to become children of God” (Jn 1:11-12).

Born in the poverty of the manger, Jesus comes to offer to everyone his joy and peace that alone can fulfil the expectations of the human heart.

He offers us the chance of seeing God’s glory and of sharing the joy of that love.

This proclamation of hope – that God is with us in Jesus Christ – is meant for all men and women. Jesus was born for everyone. Just as Mary, in Bethlehem, offered him to the shepherds, so we are called to present him to one and all, so that each person and every human situation may come to know the power of God’s merciful love.

May the joy of Christmas spur you to proclaim to everyone God’s presence in our midst.