The joyful Christmas message of peace on earth and goodwill to men seems clouded this year by events at home and around the world that dramatize the terrible increase in violence and crime.

We live in a world dangerously torn by hate and conflict, and people feel powerless to do anything about it.  Many also know that their own hearts are driven by destructive passions and motives they cannot seem to control or change.

The decline in moral values is having a tragic effect on our society.  People are concerned about their children, their families and their country and are desperately searching for answers.  In taking God and religion out of our lives,  we have lost our moral and spiritual bearings.

This Christmas season let us consider our spiritual heritage. Let us listen carefully to the angels’ words that continue to offer us hope, especially at this critical time.

“Fear not.”  the angels said on that starry night in Bethlehem. “For I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be for all the people.  For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”

In a world more needy than ever, let us open our hearts to the child in the manger, who can bring us new life and new power over the violence, crime, and evils of our day.