Dear brothers and sisters,

May the Peace of the Lord Jesus be with you and in you!

When a child is born, everybody exclaims: "He is a very beautiful child!" This compliment is particularly appreciated by the mother who is convinced that she has given birth to the most beautiful child in the world and probably, in history!

Have you ever thought that the Infant Jesus Christ was beautiful too? He was not different from other children, beautiful like them and, as every mother, the Virgin Mary surely regarded Him as extremely beautiful.  But the beauty of Jesus is not just an expression of our natural feelings, we find in Psalm 45:2-3 a very important expression: Of all men you are the most handsome, gracefulness is a dew upon your lips, for God has blessed you forever.

The beauty of Jesus is not just from the human point of view, but also from the blessings of God. Jesus is beautiful because in Him there is God! We have to ask ourselves: What is my attitude towards the beauty of Jesus Christ?  Where can I see it? If we get used to reading some verses of the Bible every day and meditate on them, even for a few minutes, we shall discover the beauty of Jesus Christ. We shall see Him as not only beautiful but we shall also experience the faithful friend that He is, He Who never abandons us. To love reading the Bible, to participate in the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist and Confession), this is the way to meet Jesus Christ, and to contemplate His beauty! Very often, we have other interests in life. Sometimes, it so happens that when I phone somebody at home, I almost always receive the same answer: Yes, he is here, watching television! We fill our head, our heart and all our free time with films and other programs which easily make their way into our lives. I would like to ask you if you can compare the joy you have after having spent all your free time watching television with the joy in your heart after having contemplated the beauty of Jesus? I invite you to try and switch off your television sometimes and to spend time with your family - reading and meditating the Word of God!  You shall discover the beauty of Jesus and the beauty of your family!

Perhaps, you may say that this is very good for those who have their families here with them, but I know that many (thousands) are alone in Kuwait, their families are in their country of origin. I understand this difficult reality and being an expatriate myself like you, I understand very well your feelings of loneliness. You know that I always have a special thought and prayer for all of you who are alone. But, it is because you are alone that I invite you to discover the beauty of Jesus. He is the only one who can give you company, affection, security and joy. Courage! Leave aside movies, TV programs, DVDs, CDs, etc. and look for The One Who can give you the fullness of life because He is The Life, Jesus Christ.

Many of you may say that you are suffering very much from the situation of daily work. It is not necessary for me to give any details. I would like to read this passage of the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians (6,5-7): Slaves, be obedient to those who are, according to human reckoning, your masters, with deep respect and sincere loyalty, as you are obedient to Christ: not only when you are under their eye, as if you had only to please human beings, but as slaves of Christ who wholeheartedly do the will of God. Work willingly for the sake of the Lord and not for the sake of human beings. Never forget that everyone, whether a slave or a free man, will be rewarded by the Lord for whatever work he has done well.

It is for the sake of Jesus that you accept injustice, showing your freedom in Christ. Saint Paul says to work willingly and not with rebellion, for the sake of the Lord and not for the sake of human beings. Don't say: what is this!  I am not his/her slave, etc. No, you are Christians, the light of the world!  You did not choose Jesus Christ, it is He Who has chosen you and has given you His Spirit. His Spirit is to show submission, love, even for your enemies. Perhaps you feel lonely and abandoned, but you can be happy because you have love! Do you realize that the biggest suffering in the world is that it cannot love? Instead, you can! You can share your friendship, fraternity, love! You can have true joy. Also, when you accept injustice for the sake of Jesus Christ, you receive a lasting and true joy. This is the true joy, not the things of this world which are temporary and deceptive! Courage, brother, sister! Jesus is particularly close to you, He loves you with a splendid love.

Dear brothers and sisters, whoever you are, whatever you do, wherever you are, I announce to you the beauty of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is beautiful because He is our Savior.

Merry Christmas, my dear ones, and have a Happy New Year!

Your Bishop
+ Camillo Ballin