“The joyful message of the first Christmas states that the love of God in Christ is meant indeed for all people, for the whole of creation,” reads the message. “Our time is a time of fear.”

Some fear the climate emergency, the message acknowledges. “Many are afraid today that they will no longer be able to feed their children tomorrow,” the message laments. “Others are afraid that military conflicts may cause nuclear disasters.”

Fear is leading to increasing hate speech, to a proliferation of conspiracy theories, violations of human rights, and threats to democracy, Sauca writes.

“The angel of the first Christmas called the shepherds to have faith in the divine promise of peace on earth and God’s goodwill towards humanity,” the text reads. “Who are people of good will?”

They are those who affirm today the dignity of every human being, Sauca writes.

“They are our companions on the pilgrimage of justice, reconciliation, and unity,” he writes. “At the first Christmas, God came to us in Jesus of Nazareth that we may be reconciled with God and become servants of reconciliation.”

WCC Christmas message 2022

Special page: WCC Christmas 2022