Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Every heart longs for hope. At Christmas, that longing is fulfilled in the child of Bethlehem — God Himself, who enters our story to remind us that we are never alone. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14).
In that little child we see the reality of our own lives. We are vulnerable to loneliness, longing for love, searching for meaning. Yet it is precisely in our weakness that the Lord draws near with tender love and warmth.
The wonder of Christmas reminds us that God’s glory shines through what is small and simple. May that beauty open our hearts to welcome Christ anew.
As we enter the final weeks of the Jubilee of Hope, I invite you to reflect on where you need hope most in your life. Christmas is the season of hope — when God reminds us that everything will be all right, that all things work together for good, because He draws near and remains with us. No matter how dark things may seem, the hope born in Bethlehem assures us that Christ’s light will always prevail.
My friends, as we celebrate this season together, may the peace of Christ dwell in your heart. May His gift of hope bring light to your days. And may His love move you to serve Him with gratitude.
With prayerful best wishes for a blessed and joyful Christmas,
✠ Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Vancouver
Remember those who are struggling: CCCB
At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God who draws close to us in humility and poverty. Even today, his faithful presence encourages us to renew our friendship with him. To achieve this, Pope Leo says: “One cannot love God without extending one’s love to the poor.”
At this time of year, let us keep in our hearts our brothers and sisters who are struggling with poverty, suffering from wars, or living in forced migration. May our gestures of tenderness among family and friends be a vibrant call for solidarity and peace. May this Christmas season rekindle in us the confidence to build a better world.
As we enter the new year, let us gather the graces of the Jubilee, which calls us to continue our journey as pilgrims of hope. On behalf of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The Most Rev. Pierre Goudreault
Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and
President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
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