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Archpastoral Letter on the Feast of Nativity from Archbishop Irénée

December 23, 2016

Nativity letter from His Eminence Archbishop Irénée.

CHRIST IS BORN!

GLORIFY HIM!

The Nativity of Christ is an act of selfless all-giving love!  God so loved the world that He gave us His only son, that we should live. The Magi are proof of this divine love. Through an astronomical sign, these foreigners were led on a long trip in search of a King. What they found was a child, in a manger, whom they recognized as their King. They brought Him gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. Likewise, we as Christians must also bring to God our spiritual gifts.

The gold of Christians is the constancy of their faith. They must persevere when facing adversity. This perseverance is precious in redeeming our souls. This is the first of the heavenly treasures.

Our good works and actions are like the fragrant incense which glorifies God and invites others to believe.

The myrrh of Christian is the saintly life and Christian love persevering even unto death. This is pleasing to God. In all these, the Magi represent the Church itself and the faithful.

May the Nativity of Christ bring us closer to Him as we grow in virtues and love.

To all Christ loving clergy, their families and Faithful a blessed Nativity of Christ and New Year 2017.

+ IRÉNÉE
Archbishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada (OCA)