Save Christmas from empty promises

 In a few simple words, Bishop Pascal Delannoy of Saint-Denis sums up the meaning of Christmas for Christians.

"Let us welcome, together, the infinite love of God which is manifested in the fragility of a child.”

Like most French bishops, he published the customary Christmas message, highlighting social issues.

Fraternity feast

According to the bishops, Christmas is an opportunity for charity in the midst of illuminations and consumer incentives.

"What if we make Christmas the feast of fraternity?" suggested Bishop Thierry Scherrer of Laval.

"Think of all those for whom Christmas is synonymous with sufferings, solitude and hardship. Think of the undocumented, unemployed, homeless and the friendless. Think of the mistreated, unloved, poorly housed and all those whom our society excludes," Bishop Scherrer said.

It is through concrete efforts of giving and renunciation that the spirit of Christmas can be reclaimed, Archbishop Pascal Wintzer of Poitiers pointed out.

"Celebrating the birth of the child in Bethlehem frees us from the diktats that define what the feast is and what the gifts are. Rather, it is up to each one of us, as a family, with friends, to find what really brings joy to the heart," he explained.

Christmas in spite of everything

In his message, Bishop François Jacolin of Luçon questioned the celebration of Christmas that is secularized largely by society.

“We allow ourselves to be taken in by the false pleasures promoted by our consumer society. Will we know how to share the true joy of Christmas for all people? The Good News of our Saviour’s birth, the Son of God, poor among the poor?" he asked.

Several bishops evoked the famous "Christmas truce" during World War I and none them turned their attention away from the social unrest facing society.

"But we will not forget those countless regions of the world where war, political oppression and religious persecution prevail, including the persecution of 245 million Christians," insisted Bishop Alain Planet of Carcassonne and Narbonne.

"We will continue to defend those whom war, misery and dictatorship have led to emigration."

These are false promises that can give rise to doubt or discouragement, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Lille pointed out.

"In the great uproar of our world, many cannot believe in Him, consider Him useless, and even reject Him because of their suffering or the bad testimony of believers," he said.

 Today’s message

Referring in particular to the strikes and the social unrest in France, Bishop Jacques Habert of Séez called for attention on the youth.

"Behind the social crises is the desire for justice, fraternity and solidarity. These values will never be overused. They are in line with the spirit of Christmas joy," he insisted.

The message of this feast, where Christians gather around a "newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger" persists, in spite of everything, he noted.

"Celebrating Christmas for the disciples of Christ is to rediscover the love of our land," explained Bishop Jean-Luc Brunin of Le Havre.

"Yes, God is crazy to continue to come and take his place in our humanity. But it is the madness of love and hope! In Jesus, God has given us a brother who invites us to live in fraternity with all, around us and far away,” the bishop added.