By Paschal Norbert
ADDIS ABABA, JANUARY 7, 2024 (CISA) – As Ethiopian Christians celebrate Christmas to honour the birth of Jesus Christ, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE), has delivered a message of faith, reflection, and hope.
In a statement issued on January 6, 2024, Cardinal Berhaneyesus invited Ethiopians at home and abroad to embrace the transformative spirit of Christmas, calling for unity, compassion, and a renewed commitment to justice and peace.
Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which places Christmas on January 7 and the New Year on September 11.
Quoting the Apostle Paul, “When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son” (Galatians 4:4), the Cardinal emphasized the unique significance of Christ’s birth. He described Christmas not merely as a historical event but as the pivotal moment in human history when God became incarnate, offering hope and salvation to all.
“Each year, this sacred occasion compels us to reflect on the extraordinary life of Jesus Christ—His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice,” Cardinal Berhaneyesus said, adding “Christmas is not just the celebration of a birth but an invitation to live out the works and teachings of Christ in our daily lives.”
The Cardinal urged the faithful to look beyond external celebrations and examine their hearts and communities. Drawing from the Gospels, he encouraged believers to confront attitudes of pride, division, and indifference, noting the relevance of Christ’s warning: “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 18:3).
He highlighted the role of faith in overcoming life’s uncertainties, referencing Romans 8:24: “In this hope, we were saved.” According to Cardinal Berhaneyesus, the birth of Christ dispels fear and despair, offering humanity the strength to face the future with courage and hope.
A central theme of his message was the pursuit of peace through justice and righteousness. “True peace is cultivated through acts of love, compassion, and fairness,” he said. Cardinal Berhaneyesus lamented the societal consequences of neglecting these virtues, warning against the dangers of self-reliance devoid of God’s guidance.
“Humanity was created for happiness and eternal life,” he declared, adding “Without faith, hope, and love, neither individuals nor societies can endure. Christmas is a time to rekindle these virtues and renew our commitment to the well-being of all.”
The Cardinal’s message also extended compassion to those celebrating Christmas under difficult circumstances. He expressed solidarity with individuals living with HIV, urging communities to embrace both spiritual and scientific approaches to care while rejecting stigma.
He also prayed for peace and healing in war-torn regions, particularly remembering young people displaced by conflict in Myanmar and beyond. “May God grant peace to those in distress, comfort to the sorrowful, and hope to the oppressed,” he said.
