Dear Friends,

Christmas is a time of hope and joy. We rejoice at the coming of Jesus our God, who is near to each one of us. He meets us, shares our humanity and enriches it by showing us that every human life is precious. Our response to the challenges of every day has unique value. We live in the hope of the kingdom He prepared for us where all our desires will be fulfilled. 

I urge you to think and pray for those who suffer – the people of country Victoria who are threatened by bushfires; farmers whose livelihood is at risk through lack of water; the people of Iraq and Lebanon; those who lack food, clothing and shelter; all who are alone and ill – whose sufferings we bring before the God who took on our humanity when He was born in a stable.

May Jesus give you the peace of knowing that He is with you, the hope in what we can be and achieve.  May He guide all of us to true peace, respect and love.

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.