2011 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE  Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle

We Filipinos welcome another Christmas season.  Excitement starts to build up quite early for us.  We instinctively know how to wait in patient hope.  I believe that this is not just a Filipino cultural trait.  It is a legacy of our Judeo-Christian faith.

In our anticipation, we also need to be reminded of the core of Christmas hope.  We long for Jesus, the God who saves.  He is Emmanuel, the God who is with us.  In the midst of the ruins of life, society and creation due to human sinfulness and pride, the Word of God deemed it worthy to become one of us, not to condemn but to save us as a compassionate brother.  Let us behold in prayer this great love, totally undeserved, but truly given to us. Let us welcome Jesus and allow His light, justice, truth and mercy to transform us and society.  Let us not be afraid of Him.  He comes only to free us from what destroys human life and dignity.  We need Him.

We in the Archdiocese of Manila unite ourselves in prayer and hope with the poor, the unjustly treated, the neglected and the victims of natural disasters in Northern Mindanao.  Jesus is born.  It is truly Christmas.

(signed)
+LUIS ANTONIO G. TAGLE
Archbishop of Manila
December 21, 2011