The Hope that comes from the Manger and brings Light to the New Year

The Hope that comes from the Manger
and brings Light to the New Year

People today live in a world enveloped in the darkness of despair and confusion; a world that has lost its hope amidst various anxieties. The worst of all is that many people have lost their sense of dignity because they no longer recognize their own essence. They do not recognize themselves as being made in the image of God. As a result, they have also lost their hope, not only in themselves, but in God.

We cannot deny the existing circumstances that create anxiety, hardships, pain, and suffering in today’s humanity. However, with the birth of Jesus, His presence in the world brings these conditions to light and confronts us with two fundamental questions: If the world has lost its hope, what was it hoping for before? What does it believe in now?

We often answer such questions with vague responses like: "I hope everything will be fine," "I believe in God," or "I believe in the family." Yet, these answers do not clarify the foundation of our hope and belief. What does "fine" mean? Who is the God do we believe in? What are the values of family life? If we have lost our hope and faith, it is because we place our hope in what is temporary and perishable—in a life of continuous prosperity without sacrifice, effort, or struggle.

Consequently, relationships become utilitarian, leaving no room for sincerity or compassion. This lack of genuine connection undermines the promise of lasting relationships. Without the prospect of true relationships, people lose their sense of self and struggle to find meaning and hope in their lives.

Today, all of this is overturned by the Great and Incredible Miracle that has taken place! The promise God gave through the Prophets, to save humanity from the darkness of despair and hopelessness, is fulfilled! "Today, the Virgin gives birth to the Creator of all," "The Word became flesh," and through this, the direct relationship with God is restored through love. Through this relationship, hope is generated.

This hope is not based on earthly pursuits. It is a hope found in relationship, a hope in the value of human existence as God's creation and image. It is the hope that a future exists through communion with Christ, who is unchanging and eternal. Now we know that, regardless of the challenges we face, God will not abandon us. Humanity will not be left alone. Jesus will be our companion and guide, sustaining us with His grace through the Holy Spirit.

Our hope is rooted in this relationship. A relationship cannot remain stagnant. It continually evolves and grows. Every relationship requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to give.

The Father offers His Son to the world so that humanity can come to know true love. The Son, humbly incarnated in a manger, offers Himself even to the point of crucifixion and death, revealing this love and resurrecting humanity, granting it a new life without end. He invites us to follow Him, assuring us that He will lead us to His Father. He teaches us that hope continually progresses through the spiritual maturity brought about by life's challenges.

Our relationship with God and our hope in Him cannot remain stagnant. While following Him, the God-Man Christ offers His Body and Blood to us during the celebration of the Divine Eucharist and simultaneously offering us, as members of His Body, to the Father so that we may live with Him eternally.

How can we participate in this offering? How can we thank the Lord for the salvation He grants us? Just as Christ offers Himself through His philanthropy, let us offer ourselves to Him by showing love and compassion to one another so that God's love may be revealed in the world. Only then can we discover true and vital hope in the challenging days we face.

His Eminence, KYRILLOS Metropolitan of Rhodes,
President of the Patriarchal Network
(Excerpt from the Christmas Encyclical 2024 ) 

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