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Archbishop Hart
Pastoral Letters and Messages
Message of Archbishop
Denis Hart for Christmas 2004
For nine months Mary carried Jesus, Son of God, in her womb with joy and gave birth to him in the wonder of life – God came to humanity.
Christmas is a gift of unparalleled love – God is near, whoever and wherever we are. By living this nearness and receiving the Eucharist each Sunday we discover the strength he offers for daily living.
Thus, we take the invitation to live for God and for those who need us – the suffering, the poor, the refugees and those whose burdens are not known, but for whom our words and our time are a precious support.
At Christmas we pause and know God’s love – to share our mission of encouraging others in truth, justice and compassion.
May all in our great city know the peace that only God can bring.
+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.
At every Mass we pray: ‘Protect us from all anxiety, as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ.’ In these tough times I want young people to see there is a purpose to life. The bad times do pass away. There is hope.
Jesus is the giver of hope. The Church says: ‘Look to Jesus. He has not abandoned us. He offers us a future.’
