"The yuletide season is meant for celebration and happiness to be shared by everyone!"

Angelus Silesius, a renowned German mystic poet, passed away in the year 1677. His words still resonate today, particularly around the festive season. One of his most famous quotes reads, "If Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem is born, and not in you, you still forever are forlorn."

This year, Christmas falls on a Sunday in 2023, making it the shortest possible Advent season. However, the celebration of Christmas raises questions about its appropriateness given the current health concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In the midst of these challenges, it is essential to remember the true spirit of Christmas. Christmas cannot just be a festival of externals, but must take place within us. The traditional Christmas message from the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men," (Luke 2:14) is a task for humanity to work towards peace.

Pastor Ulrich Eßer wishes everyone a peaceful and peace-bringing Christmas and God's blessing for the coming year 2023. He emphasises that a peaceful and peace-bringing Christmas is possible if humans want it and work towards it.

The Advent season, a period leading up to Christmas, serves as a reminder of the need for peace. Humanity as a whole must work for peace for "peace on earth" to be achieved. The war in Ukraine is a current concern that weighs heavily on people's minds, and it is our collective responsibility to strive for peace.

Despite the concerns, Christmas remains a festival of joy. It is a time to reflect on the message of peace and goodwill, and to renew our efforts towards creating a world that reflects these values. Let us remember Angelus Silesius' words and strive to let Christ be born within us this Christmas.

As we approach the festive season, let us also remember to prioritise our health and safety. May this Christmas be a time of peace, joy, and renewed commitment to working towards a better world.

"The yuletide season is meant for celebration and happiness to be shared by everyone!"