“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break
upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of
death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1,78-79)
This passage from Luke’s Gospel resounds today in the depths of our heart
because Christmas, when it came, found many people in many countries of
the world, in darkness and in the shadow of death. We have all lived these
last months waiting for a light, waiting for a new dawn like a sun rising
from above, and now your birth, Lord Jesus, is a true gift, it is the hope of a
new life.
You were born like all children, in fragility and smallness, help us to
recognise your presence in all those who are small and fragile. Let them
experience your tenderness and mercy through our eyes and hands. Allow
us to welcome even our frailties and to forgive our faults, in our journey to
Faith and Light and in all our relationships.
According to your promise, you will come and visit us, give us the grace to
recognise every day your visit in our lives and in our families when you
come knocking at our door. Guide our steps on a path of peace so that
peace may be in us, in our communities and in the whole world waiting to
be born again in hope and love.
In union of prayer, I wish you a Merry Christmas in Jesus.
Don Marco Bove
International chaplain