“The baby has been born on a moonlit night, he’ll have the bearing of a Gypsy and a tinkling laugh.”  That’s how one of the Andalusian Christmas carols began, from one of the great records my parents used to play for us at Christmas. Whatever the musical style—classical, folk, or tropical—  a Christmas carol is always a joyful melody. There are also customs that contribute to the festive atmosphere and give a special touch to these Christmas days, such as the distribution of poinsettias, which is already a tradition in some cities like Almería.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace”  (Luke 2:14): these are the words the angels sing when they announce to the shepherds that, not far away, in a manger, Jesus has just been born.  Christmas conveys a message of peace, now more than ever. But there will be no peace in the world if there is no peace within people, within families.

While there is no single recipe for building peace, there are a number of attitudes and behaviors with which we can all contribute to the great desire for peace and thus improve daily life.  For example, calm dialogue, avoiding arguments and violence, trying to understand everyone’s motivations and interests, respecting others’ opinions, learning to live with disagreement, and thinking positively about others without judging their intentions, etc.  In short, it’s about creating an atmosphere of serenity and peace in our environment.

How different the tone and style God chose to celebrate Christmas is from the way we humans remember it today. Yet, for a Christian, celebrating Christmas means making it present again, so that the mystery of the birth of a God who becomes weak, who becomes a child, so that we can approach Him more easily, and who, in His poverty, asks of us a little affection, shelter, and warmth, may be rekindled within each of us.

Christmas is a family celebration, in which several generations participate in an atmosphere of love and service. Loved ones, both absent and deceased, are remembered, and the spirit of serving and helping others is awakened in those who are happy, without forgetting those who feel the bitterness of loneliness or lack the essential means to live a dignified life.  It is a celebration of generosity, peace, and joy.

Today, I want to end by wishing you a Merry Christmas. I hope this Christmas is different from previous ones, that you try to experience the spirit of Bethlehem, alongside Mary and Joseph. In this way, your family will find a warm home, full of love, peace, and joy.