Enter into the spirit of mercy

To all staff and readers of The Tablet I send my Christmas greetings.

In cathedrals and churches all over the world, the symbolic Doors of Mercy now stand open, ready to receive all who will pass through them. They are a powerful invitation to us all to renew our faith, above all in the mercy of God. Pope Francis never tires of saying that we should contemplate the face of Jesus for he is the true expression of the mercy of God.

This Christmas, then, we have the unique opportunity to enter through a Door of Mercy and go straight to the crib, there to contemplate the face of Jesus. This is a precious pilgrimage that all may undertake.

There we will meet the tiny, fragile child, the Prince of Peace, who comes into our broken world, so torn apart by violence, fear and mutual suspicion.

In his face we will find the profound serenity that comes not from any withdrawal from the realities of life but from the one wellspring of life: the unending love and mercy of the Father for the whole of Creation. In his light we can be renewed in our desire to fashion a world more in keeping with the Father’s intentions, and to shape our own family and personal relationships in mercy and gentleness. In his presence we can pray in particular for those living in or fleeing areas of conflict and violence. We pray that they might receive some peace and joy this Christmas.

With every good wish for a happy and holy Christmas and blessings for the New Year.

Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster