‘God’s irrevocable choice is to be with us’

Christmas is a time for reflecting on our faith and reconnecting with its saving truth. No matter where we are in our lives, or the hardships that we face, Christ is there with us. That is the fundamental message of this great feast. God’s irrevocable choice is to be with us.

I was reminded of this particularly during a trip to Gaza in November. Despite the conditions under which this tiny Catholic community lives and works, its resoluteness and fortitude serve as an inspiration to us all. The face of Christ can be seen in their actions. In the few hours I was there, I sensed a great willingness and openness to listen to the voice of God in the hearts of the people who live in such awful circumstances. They are determined to make the Gospel become real even in these difficult times. We can only strive to do the same.

It is important that we remember not only the Christians in Gaza but those in so many places in the world facing persecution. Let us pray for their ongoing fortitude and continual witness to the Gospel in the face of every cruelty and adversity. I pray that Tablet readers all have a joyous and peaceful celebration of Christ’s birth and I wish you all a happy New Year.

+Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster