Faith, Hope,
and Charity.

My Dear Fathers, Sisters and Laity, Holy Mother Church celebrates the Solemnity of Nativity Our Lord Jesus Christ on 25th December. Christmas brings a true message of love to the world! “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). Grace and truth are shared at Christmas time. The angels sing: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace for those he favours.” (Lk 2:14). The birth of a child is a moment of immense joy and gratitude, a time when families and communities come together to welcome a new life into the world. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, we are reminded of the profound significance of every child's birth. Each child is a gift from God, a unique and precious creation, entrusted to us to nurture, guide, and love. In the Gospel of Luke, we hear the beautiful story of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, filling the night sky with heavenly music and proclaiming, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’ (Luke 2:14). This glorious event marks the beginning of a new era, one where God's love and mercy are extended to all humanity through the gift of His only Son. The birth of a child brings with it a sense of responsibility and purpose. As parents, family members, and caregivers, we are called to provide a loving environment that fosters spiritual, emotional, and physical growth. We are to teach our children the ways of the Lord, to guide them in the path of righteousness, and to be examples of Christ's love in our words and actions. In today's world, where challenges and uncertainties abound, the family remains the foundational unit of society where children can learn the values of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others. It is within the family that children first experience the love of God and are encouraged to live out their faith in practical ways. Therefore, it is crucial that we, as a community of believers, support and strengthen family life, recognizing its pivotal role in the formation of future generations. Let us also take a stand against the culture of death and abortion, which seeks to destroy the most vulnerable among us - the unborn. We must be voices for the voiceless, advocating for the rights and dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. The Church's teaching is clear: every life is precious, and we must work towards creating a society that values and protects the sanctity of human life. Furthermore, we must reject the notion that limits the number of children a family can have. "Stop at two' is a mantra that contradicts the Gospel values of generosity, hospitality, and trust in God's providence. Instead, we should be open to the gift of life, recognizing that every child is a blessing from God, regardless of economic or social circumstances. Let us strive to create a culture of life, where families are supported and encouraged to welcome every child as a precious gift from God. As we rejoice in the birth of Jesus and celebrate the gift of new life, let us also commit to creating a world that honors the dignity of every child, a world where every child is cherished, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive. Let us pray for all families, that they may be havens of love, peace, and faith, and that through their witness, the light of Christ may shine brightly in our midst. May the blessing of the newborn King be upon all children and families, guiding us to live in accordance with God's will and to find joy in the gift of life that He has so graciously bestowed upon us. Amen." Happy Solemnity of Nativity Our Lord Jesus Christ!!! May God bless you all!!! With my prayers and apostolic blessing, + Lawrence Pius, D.D., Bishop of Dharmapuri