Sharing the Light of Christ: A Season of Hope, Charity and Mission

In our culture December is a special month. You don’t have to be religious or Christian to enjoy and benefit from the lights, the trees and the gathering of family.

For Catholics December firstly means the season of Advent. Advent represents days of longing; days of waiting for fulfillment and the end of human pain, anxiety and fear. Advent invites us to be watchful and pray for the coming of the Saviour. We can also be involved in the coming of the Good news to so many parts of our world through the works of the Pontifical Missions Society. The mission is to bring Jesus to others; the mission is Advent.

December for Christians is, of course, Christmas. This means that Jesus has come and Jesus through His Word, His Church and His Body is already present in our world. 

So this special month is a time to live hope. Believing in the coming of the kingdom of God in Jesus leads us to making a difference in the world. Look at all the good works that the Church undertakes in our society, caring for poor, homeless, the sick and so on. 

And yet, God is not finished, and our world needs greater saving and caring than we can give. We must be open to the coming of God in Jesus now and in the great future ahead. In the meantime, we walk together in the light of the Lord.

All our Mission Societies with your support are part of the great Advent/ Christmas message. Into the dark, came the light. May the Lord bless you and your family this holy month and think about giving a gift to those in need – the gift of faith.

Bishop John Boissonneau
Director, Pontifical Mission Societies, Toronto