Mumbai: In his first Christmas message since taking office, the archbishop of Bombay John Rodrigues has “urged the faithful and all people of goodwill to go beyond external festivities... and immerse themselves in acts of kindness and generosity”.He highlighted two essential ways to celebrate Christmas. “The first is by giving glory to God. The angels’ song, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace’, resounds joyfully at Christmas after its absence in Advent [the Gloria is not sung during Advent Sundays]. This praise must extend into daily life through acts of kindness, generosity, and solidarity — visiting the grieving [or bereaved], supporting the needy, and bringing joy to the poor and suffering,” he said.The second way, the archbishop said, was the ‘revolution of tenderness’, as Pope Francis described the birth of Jesus. “As Pope Francis had said, God comes not in power but as a vulnerable child, full of tenderness and simplicity. The Nativity scene invites wonder at God’s astonishing ways and calls us to remain open to the ‘God of surprises’.”The archbishop said, “Christmas is a feast of profound joy for individuals, families, the Church, and the world, as we rejoice that God has come to dwell among us through the birth of His Son to the Virgin Mary.” The archdiocese has encouraged everyone to live this message through prayer, charity and openness to God’s love.
