Here is a Christmas Message from Cardinal Yeom, of the Archdiocese of Seoul, South Korea.
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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14)
My dearest brothers and sisters!
Baby Jesus is born today. May God’s abundant blessings and peace be upon you on this joyful Christmas day.
God sent His only Son into the world to live among us. This is the mystery of Christmas: God sent His only Son in the form of a poor servant, to be with the poorest and the most marginalized people. By this, God reveals His infinite love to us and invites us to eternal life.
This year, our entire country is deeply saddened by the tragic Sewol incident. I pray that the Lord will wipe away the tears of the sad ones and give them the strength that they need. We should look for the will of the Lord from such sadness and pain, in order to overcome all difficult situations.
This year in August, Pope Francis visited our country and brought great consolation to those who suffer in sadness and pain. The Holy Father reminded us not to forget our ancestors—our models of faith—who brought the Good News to our country. For us, we will always remember the Holy Father’s visit as a joyful, loving, exciting occasion, and the opportunity to learn to love and serve others. Through the Holy Father’s words and actions, we are able to feel the consolation and love from Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis started The Year of Consecrated Life and asked us to live a biblical life. This request is not only for the religious and priests, but for all of us who have received the blessing through baptism. The birth of Jesus Christ gives a deeper meaning to the consecrated life that we ought to live. The main purpose of The Year of Consecrated Life is to help us reflect and give thanks for the past, stay true and passionate to the present, and feel hopeful towards the future. Therefore, let us become the light which shines upon this world of darkness with our faith and joy.
Baby Jesus is born in every place where people love and share. I pray that the joy of Christmas may be spread to every corner of our country, so that the poor and marginalized people may feel the blessings of God. Let us also pray for our brothers and sister in the North; through trust and reconciliation, may we become one big family again.
2014 Christmas
Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung
