Two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, almost no one knew the mystery of “And the Word became flesh”, as the first chapter of the Gospel of John tells us:
"The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him."
The Creator’s birth, unknown to the world, nevertheless changed it forever. Through suffering and death, He redeemed the world. He did not promise the disappearance of suffering, but He gave suffering meaning. Through our own suffering, we are able to unite ourselves with the Lord’s work of redemption. We may not fully understand these words, but we can hold on to hope in them.
On 25 December 1941, Hong Kong lost the battle of its defense. After enduring three years and eight months of suffering, Hong Kong rose again from the flames like a phoenix reborn. The birth of Christ did not mark the end of suffering; rather, it was the beginning of His suffering. We do not know when we will be able to overcome our present difficulties. But with hope in the Infant Jesus, we will be able to share in the blessings He brings.
Wishing everyone a blessed and holy Christmas!