Dear Friends,

In the name of the Pastors and parishioners of the Roman Catholic Churches in Bermuda, I am pleased to extend Christmas greetings and best wishes to all the people of Bermuda. A very Merry Christmas to all of you!

In the first Scripture reading for the Mass at Midnight in the Catholic Liturgy the words of the Prophet Isaiah will be proclaimed: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown” (Isaiah 9,1). At this time of year, when nights are at their longest, we celebrate Christmas and we commemorate the birth of Jesus who is the light of the world. Jesus, the eternal Word of God, is born a child and he shares our human condition in every way but sin. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one of God, who is born for us and for our salvation. He enlightens our darkness. He is our light and our peace.

The light of Christ enlightens us to give thanks to God for the many blessings we receive at Christmas: the joy of family and friends, children and grandchildren; gifts given and received and all the signs of goodness and love exchanged this holy season.

In a world marked by turmoil and strife, we are blessed to live in a free country. Christmas is a time to give thanks to God and to pray for Bermuda and its leaders: Our Governor, His Excellency George Fergusson; our Premier, the Honorable Craig Cannonier; the honourable Ministers of Government and Members of Parliament; Members of the Judiciary and all civil servants. May God’s blessings and the light of Christ be with them in their service to the people of Bermuda.

In this time of Christmas light and joy, our hearts go out to the sick, the suffering and those who care for them: those in hospital and nursing homes; those confined to their own homes due to illness or age. In the mystery of God’s love and providence we join with you and pray that the light and joy of Christmas might fill your hearts.

The light of Christ also helps us to see and to embrace with love and compassion those who have recently suffered the death of a loved one, those who face serious problems in their personal, married or family life. May the light of the Savior’s birth be a beacon of hope and a sure guide through the darkness.

The light of Christ is a welcoming light. It guided the Wise men of the East to find the new born Christ child. To those who may feel alienated from their churches or all churches, I say: “Come home for Christmas.” To my Catholic brothers and sisters who may have stopped practicing their faith or who have even left the Church completely, I say “Welcome.” You are truly welcome at the Christmas liturgies. Come home for Christmas.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” May the light and the love of God that comes to us with the birth of Jesus fill your hearts this Christmas season and every day of the New Year.