The most eagerly awaited day of the year is approaching once again. We celebrate the arrival of the Child who makes himself small to reveal his boundless love to us. Amidst the uncertainties of the world and the personal challenges of each one of us, the birth of the Lord renews our hope: God does not remain distant, but enters into our history, walks with us, and illuminates our nights with the light of his presence.

The nativity scene reminds us that HOPE—the central word of this past year—is born of simplicity. In the fragility of a child, God invites us to open our hearts to welcome this presence that transforms and gives new meaning to our journey.

In the Shrine, our Mother and Queen welcomes us with affection and leads us to an encounter with the Child Jesus. She asks for a special place in our hearts to prepare a living manger there where Christ can be born again and remain.

United as a Schoenstatt Family spread throughout the world, we wish to live this Christmas in profound unity. Despite the distance, let us feel united with one another. Spiritually, we are all in the shrine, our Bethlehem, where we place our spiritual gifts in the capital of grace, trusting that God will make everything we offer with love bear fruit.

Merry Christmas! May it be a time of renewal and much joy for our entire international Schoenstatt family.