Pastoral Letters and Message
Message of Archbishop Denis Hart for Christmas 2002

Christmas has always been a time of fragile blessings. A child is born, but he is born into poverty. Kings worship at his crib, but another king threatens his life. His family loves him, but his pregnant mother is made to walk to Bethlehem and then flee to Egypt from state terror. The child offers salvation to the world, but he will be stalked to death by his enemies. Yet he forgives them as he dies.

The world feels as uncertain today as it did 2000 years ago. Australian blood has been spilt this year; weapons inspectors have entered Iraq; there is talk of pre-emptive anti-terror strikes; the Federal Parliament has passed legislation designed to destroy the youngest and most needy members of our human family.

Though they are fragile, the blessings of Christmas are real. Jesus’ birth reminds the whole community of the innocence and goodness at the centre of human lives. Our Lord places the powerless centre-stage and he forgives his enemies. This Christmas I pray for a spirit of generosity and forgiveness throughout our community. May the coming of the Christ Child restore our reverence for human life and bring true peace to families and communities in these uncertain times.

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.