Christmas 2020: The light of hope shines brightest in darkness - Archbishop Longley

The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We bring you the voices of religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations as they look to a future in which “No one is saved alone.”

By Vatican News English Section

Celebrating the birth of the Child Jesus who brings the light of hope and salvation into the world, the Catholic Archbishop of Birmighham, Bernard Longley, reflects on the unusual circumstances that have deeply marked the past year and encourages believers to share the good news of Christmas:

Listen to Archbishop Bernard Longley

Archbishop Longley reflects on how we come together this year to celebrate the great feast of Christmas in highly unusual circumstances, and towards the end of what has been a very unusual year for all of us.

He invites the faithful not to let anything "take away from the joy with which we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ", noting that the experience of 2020 "gives a deeper meaning to our celebration."

"We know that for many people this year has brought more sadness and anxiety," he said. This has changed the way of life for all of us, but it is especially in times such as these that "we need the foundation of faith."

Archbishop Longley invites all Christians to think about the meaning of God coming into our world, and to share the "tremendous message of the story of Christmas" with others.

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