Dear Emigrants,
Once again it is Christmas, a time which recalls the supreme ‘emigration’ in history. The Son of God ‘emigrated’ so to speak, from the Father to come amongst us. He came on Earth, performed good works and was crucified.
This reflection brings you to mind, dear emigrants.
You too have undertaken a similar journey. There are some factors in the life of Jesus which resemble yours, and there are some others which distinguish your journey from the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ amongst us.
The two are similar because their departure point is an experience of poverty.
Yet there is a difference between them. It is probable that some emigrants were forced to leave their country because they were living in poverty. However, Jesus was living in the full glory of God the Father as the Son of God, yet he came on Earth in order to live in poverty like us.
Many emigrants left for other countries so that they could earn a better living for them and their families. And thank God, most of them were successful. Yet Jesus came among us for our benefit and that we may thrive – yet he ended up crucified.
Today, at Christmas, we thank him for all he did for us.
We wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s providence and blessings.
+ Paul Cremona O.P.
Archbishop of Malta