Nativity Scene in the chapel of St Clement VIII in St Peter's Basilica

CHURCH

Christmas Season 2022: Are we astonished at the message that Christ is born?

The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. Each year, Vatican Radio brings you the voices of religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations as they reflect upon the transformative power of the Good News that “Christ is born!” Today's message comes from Miguel Angel Cardinal Ayuso Guixot, President of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

"Christians believe that Christ is 'God with us,' and this little baby is God Who made Himself small. What could be more surprising?"

In his Christmas Message for 2022, the President of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Miguel Ayuso asks if we, like the people of Bethlehem 2000 years ago, are surprised and astonished when we hear the message, "Christ is born."

"I am amazed at the birth of Christ and the salvation that His birth has brought," says Cardinal Ayuso, adding, "I am also amazed by the joy and goodwill with which many of our brothers and sisters of various religious traditions join us in celebrating during this special time of year. Their beliefs are different, but they respect our faith that God is with us as one of us."

Listen to Cardinal Ayuso's Christmas Message for 2022

Cardinal Miguel Ayuso's Message for Christmas 2022

Dear friends,

Over 2000 years ago, in a small town in a corner of the Roman Empire, Bethlehem of Israel, a baby was born to a poor couple. Not many people knew about His birth, but it was accompanied by some unusual events. There were shepherds who went from house to house of this little town, telling the inhabitants that they had seen a glorious sight of heavenly spirits who told them that the long-awaited saviour of the Jewish people had arrived. That He was a helpless baby. And that they would find Him lying in a manger surrounded by animals with His watchful parents close by. Instead of laughing at the excited shepherds or ignoring them, the people of the time, the Gospel of Luke tells us, were amazed.

Today in the year 2022, as we approach the celebration of this event, are we also amazed? Are we greatly surprised and astonished when we hear the message, "Christ is born"? Christians believe that the Christ is God with us, and this little baby is God Who has made Himself small. What could be more surprising?

As the Prefect of the Holy See's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, I am amazed at the birth of Christ and the salvation that His birth has brought. I am also amazed by the joy and goodwill with which many of our brothers and sisters of various religious traditions join us in celebrating during this special time of year. Their beliefs are different, but they respect our faith that God is with us as one of us. They appreciate the spirit of peace and goodwill that we share in common.

This Christmas, I pray that we may be all amazed at God's mercy and goodness, God's closeness, and God's tender care for all His people. May our knowledge of being loved inspire us to reach out in love and care for all of our brothers and sisters in the human family, especially those who are suffering the most this Christmas time.