Media Release
Udupi, Dec 23: Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Issac Lobo on Wednesday, December 23 in his Christmas message stressed on loving all of God's creation.
In his address, he said, "The whole world celebrates the birth of Christ or Christmas without distinction of caste, creed and religion. Jesus, the Son of God is the center of this great celebration. For love of humankind, God became man, and was as an infant. This is the mystery of Christmas. It is to teach man how to live as a human being that the Son of God became man."
"Christmas reminds us that we are bearers of God with the duty of conveying Jesus to those around us by loving them as Jesus did, through sacrificial, humble, committed service. Sharing with others Jesus, is the best Christmas gift we can give, or receive."
"Jesus brought the “Good News” that our God is a loving, forgiving, merciful, rewarding God and not a judgmental, cruel, punishing God. He demonstrated by his life and teaching how God our Heavenly Father loves us, forgives us, provides for us, and rewards us. Each Christmas reminds us that sharing love with others is our Christian privilege and duty, and every time we do that, Jesus is reborn in our lives."
"When Jesus was born, the angels sang, 'Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.' The invaluable gift of the God made man, Jesus Christ to this world is peace and harmony. In world filled with violence, inequality, injustice, poverty, disease, deprivation, intolerance and hatred, ‘eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth’ is not the solution to the problem. It’s only love which can redeem the world. Jesus was born on this earth, in order to love everyone and teach them the way of love."
He further said that God is the source of Peace. He is our Peace. Jesus has promised us the same peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” Jesus who rose from the dead tells us, “Shalom” – Peace be to you. Love one another and be at peace. Where there is peace, there will be brotherhood, harmony, and co-existence too. “Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called children of God.” Shall we resolve to be the messengers of peace, to build a nation of love and Peace at this Christmas.
"May you all have a Joyful Christmas and the abundant blessings of the Almighty," the Bishop said.