WCC NEWS: WCC Christmas message: “What Is This Light?”

The World Council of Churches shared its Christmas message with the whole world, a world in which mounting challenges threaten to diminish our hope. 23 November 2022, Bethlehem, Palestine: A star shines over candles burning in the grotto under the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where Jesus is said to have been born. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 14 December 2023 “Yet, as disciples of Jesus and as Christian communities united in Christ’s love, we are called to stand up to fear, counter falsehood, challenge selfishness and greed, and offer hope to the whole world,” reads the message. “From where do we source such energy and life?” The message reflects that the celebration of the birth of Jesus is our defiance of despair. “He is our light in a time of darkness, enabling us to live for the truth and to strive for the redemption of the world,” reads the message. “Children of the light, we will not settle, nor let others settle, for a world lethally scarred by violence, seared by heat, or darkened by fear.” The World Council of Churches shared heartfelt joy. “We redouble our resolve to labour tirelessly with you for the health and healing of the sick, a fair economy, the well-being of migrants and displaced people, peace and security for all, the advancement of human rights and dignity, deeper community in faith, and the flowering of justice for women, for children, for the earth itself,” the message reads. “So let us rejoice! The light of Christ promises to banish our darkness. May it brighten our spirits and warm our hearts.” WCC Christmas Message 2023 WCC resources for Christmas 2023 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland