Tomorrow we mark the birth of Jesus Christ into the world bearing the message of love and peace to all humanity. This is a good occasion to celebrate and rejoice, but do we honour it? If we spare ourselves the time to contemplate the events in the world during the past year we would no doubt wonder where is love and peace? Why are we only reminded of them on feast days and special occasions? Why are not they realities in our lives?
The problem lies not with the sublime values brought forth by religions and seeking the good and happiness of mankind. The real dilemma is how these sublime values translate in our lives. Sadly, they more often than not get lost before other notions of fanaticism, antagonism, and rejection of the other. It would be good practice if we all take ourselves to account on where we stand regarding love, tolerance and accepting the other.
And on this blessed occasion it is my pleasure to present my heartfelt wishes to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and to all the heads and congregations of the Christian Churches in Egypt, praying that God would touch our hearts and bestow upon us His love, peace and blessings.