Dear Friends and Associates, dear Companions in Mission, dear Collaborators,
During this beautiful celebration of the Nativity, we send our good wishes of peace, compassion and mercy to each one of you! The coming of God into our world, the birth of this Infant Jesus, whose name we have received, is announced as a promise of peace: Peace on earth to all men and women of good will. At a time of terrible adversity, when civil and international conflicts and merciless violence are tearing our world apart, we celebrate the coming of Jesus "the Prince of Peace".
Jesus is the radiant "day" which has dawned on the horizon of humanity.
A day of mercy, in which God our Father has revealed his great tenderness.
A day of light, which dispels the darkness of fear and anxiety.
A day of peace, which enables encounter, dialogue and reconciliation.
(Pope Francis)