Udupi : Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese gave his message on account of Christmas 2015.

He said, "that Christmas has left a permanent mark in history. It is neither confined to a particular place nor to a period. It has been happening in every house and every mind, every day. That is why the occasion is so unique. The feast that is being celebrated all over the world shows the depth of God’s love to humanity. The feast also sends a message of peace. This is an occasion chosen by the Almighty to enable mankind which has gone away from him to unite with him. Christmas marks the arrival of Jesus to the world.
"Several activities combined with the celebrations of Christmas give special fervour to the feast. Special lights, candles, stars, coloured lights shining on Christmas trees, show that God has brought light and there is no room for darkness. It shows that Jesus is the messiah that drives away the darkness of illiteracy, sin and exploitation.

"Jesus is called the King of peace in the Bible. When Jesus was born in a small manger in a small town of Bethlehem, an angel brought the message of his birth to the shepherds who were looking after their sheep in the fields. The message was ‘Glory to God in the highest and peace to the people on earth’. Jesus was born to show that God wants peace, love and tranquillity in mankind.

"Christmas is also a festival of gifts. The message of Christmas is unity. Christmas proclaims that Jesus is the icon of peace, love, cooperation and harmony. He was born for all the categories of people. When people rejoice, let us pray for people who are suffering due to different type of exploitation, fear, suffering, violence, riots, dissatisfaction etc.

"We should strive towards planting the seeds of love, brotherhood and unity and thereby promote peace and harmony in the world. Peace should exist in our homes and society. This is the best gift we can give to others on Christmas.

"Christmas is a festival that brings us closer to God, fills our houses with joy and replaces hate and greed in our homes with love, peace and compassion.

"We are blessed to celebrate 2016 as the Year of Mercy. God's mercy is manifested through Lord Jesus. Compassion and love are faces of the same coin. God is merciful to all, irrespective of power and position. During this Year of Mercy, let us rebuild old ties and heal all wounds.

"God's love and mercy are limitless. His eternal love and mercy beckon us with open arms. When the world is facing a turbulent time, we should imbibe in us Christ's love and God's mercy. Let us become the carriers of peace. Let the light of love fill all homes and may every individual imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and service like Jesus Christ. Let us be selfless and learn the language of love and teach the same to others too. I wish happy Christmas to all and pray that Infant Jesus lights up your homes," the bishop blessed.