Pontifical Allocution on the Latin Feast of the Nativity
25 December 2024
His Apostolic Highness Prince-Bishop Rutherford I of Rome-Ruthenia
Transcript:
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ across the world,
As we gather for the first of our two liturgies in celebration of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest greetings and my Apostolic Blessing to you, your families, and your communities. On this holy feast, we stand together around the world, regardless of borders, as one family in Christ, rejoicing in the gift of His Incarnation—a light shining in the darkness, a peace beyond human understanding.
The Call to Be Good Neighbours
Christmas reminds us that God, in His infinite love, deigned to be-come our neighbour. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This divine act of humility shows us the way: we are called to dwell among one another not as strangers or adversaries, but as neigh-bours, collaborators, and co-creators in the work of peace and salvation.
Saint Basil the Great once said, "The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry. The coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it." This teaching reflects the truth that what we have—our gifts, our resources, our very lives—is meant to be shared. It is only in sharing that we truly fulfill the commandment to "love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:31).
In the international community, this love of neighbour takes the form of good diplomacy. Nations, like individuals, are called to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). We are reminded that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, compassion, and mutual respect. Good neighbours seek understanding, not dominance; they build bridges and seek common ground.
The Theology of Peace and Unity
Our Lord Himself declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). True peace begins in the heart, spreads to the home, and extends to the world. As Christians, we are called to be icons of this peace—a reflection of the harmony that exists within the Holy Trinity.
Saint Seraphim of Sarov beautifully taught, "Acquire a spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved." If we, as nations and individu-als, cultivate peace within ourselves, it will ripple outward, touching lives and transforming societies.
Let us also remember the words of Saint John Chrysostom: "If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice." In these words lies a profound reminder: our worship is empty if it is not accompanied by works of mercy and justice. As we cele-brate the Nativity of the Prince of Peace, we must commit ourselves anew to being peacemakers in our homes, in our nations, and in the world.
Facing the Challenges of Our Times
Today, the world finds itself at a crossroads. Conflicts rage, divisions deepen, and the cries of the suffering often go unheard. Yet, Christmas is a time of hope—hope that even the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact. Like the shepherds who came to the manger with nothing but their faith and humility, we too can approach the world’s challenges with simplicity, compassion, and courage.
The Incarnation teaches us that God works through the small and the humble to accomplish His will. In the same way, the smallest gestures of diplomacy, the simplest acts of understanding, and the humblest prayers for peace can be the seeds of a better future. As Saint Paul exhorted, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Ro-mans 12:18).
A Christmas Vision for the World
My dear brothers and sisters, as we look to the year ahead, let us renew our commitment to being good neighbours in the world. Let us build so-cieties that reflect the love and mercy of God, where the strong protect the weak and the rich share with the poor. Let us strive for a global communi-ty where nations seek not their own interests but the common good.
In this season of joy and reconciliation, I urge you to pray for those in worldly power, that they may govern with wisdom and humility. Pray for the suffering, that they may find relief. And pray for yourselves, that you may be instruments of God’s peace in your families, your workplaces, and your communities.
Benediction
As we stand before the presepio, gazing upon the Christ Child, may we be reminded of the simplicity, humility, and love that define His King-dom. May His light guide our steps, His peace fill our hearts, and His love unite us as one human family.
With this spirit, I wish you all a blessed and joyful Christmas. May the Prince of Peace reign in your hearts, your homes, and throughout the world. And may Almighty God bless you, Father +, Son +, and Holy + Spirit.
