Dear Friends, I am honoured to be able to extend Christmas greetings to you in the name of the pastors and the parishioners of all the Catholic Churches in Bermuda a very Merry Christmas to all of you!Just last week I had the opportunity to visit the newly consecrated Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California.I found it fascinating to see how the architects and designers were able to incorporate light as a natural symbol of the mystery of God.Those who gather for the midnight Mass at St Theresa's Cathedral in Hamilton and in all the Catholic parishes in Bermuda and throughout the world will hear the words of the Prophet Isaiah proclaimed: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwell in the land of gloom, a light has shown.”At this time of year when nights are at their longest and days are often overcast and gloomy, we celebrate Christmas and we commemorate the birth of Jesus who said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).The light of Christmas gives us hope and courage when we hear the words of the Prologue of St John's Gospel proclaimed in the liturgy on Christmas day: “…the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).The light of Christ enlightens us to gives thanks to God for the many blessings we receive at Christmas: the joy of family and friends, gifts given and received and all the signs of goodness and love exchanged this holy season.In a world marked by turmoil, strife and social unrest, we are blessed to live in a free country. Christmas is a time to give thanks to God for our Country and its leaders: Our Governor, Sir Richard Gozney; our Premier, the Honourable Paula Cox; all the honourable Ministers of Government and members of Parliament as well as all our municipal officials and 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 and those confined to their own homes due to age or illness.In the mystery of God's love and providence, we join with you and we pray that the light and joy of Christmas may fill you hearts.The light of Christ also helps us to see and to embrace with love and compassion all who have recently suffered the death of a loved one and those who face serious problems in their personal, married or family life.May the light of Christ's birth be a beacon of hope and a sure guide through the darkness.The light of Christ is a welcoming light. May that light help us to welcome children with love and parental responsibility from the first moment of conceptionMay the Christmas mystery teach us to nurture our children with truth and love. Lord, bless our families this Christmas!Christmas light led the Wise Men of the east to find the newborn Christ. The truly wise men and women of today continue to seek him.To those who may feel alienated from their own churches or from all churches, I invite you to seek the light.Seek the light of truth, beauty and goodness that will lead you, eventually, to Christ the Lord.To my Catholic brothers and sisters who have fallen away from the regular practice of the Faith or have even left the Church, I say: “Welcome! Come home for Christmas.” You are truly welcome at midnight Mass and at all the Christmas liturgies.“Those who have walked in darkness have seen a great light.” May the light and the love of God that comes to us in the birth of Jesus fill your hearts and your homes this Christmas season and every day of the New Year.