Cardinal Tobin urges compassion during Christmas season
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has shared a Christmas message with the Catholic community. In his letter, Cardinal Tobin reflects on the meaning of the season and emphasizes God’s closeness to humanity through the incarnation of Jesus.
He writes, “During this season of joy and hope, God reminds us once again that he is closer to us than we often dare to admit. In the Incarnation of Jesus, the Word made flesh, the almighty, omniscient and eternal Creator of the universe has chosen to become one of us, to be with us. What more could God have done for us?”
Cardinal Tobin describes Jesus’s humble birth: “Jesus was born humbly in a manger, surrounded by his loving family, shepherds and even animals. By human standards this is a scandal and, knowing something about mangers, a scandal with a bad smell as well.” He questions whether people expect God only among the powerful or wealthy and notes that “God surprises us. He turns our most carefully held expectations upside down…the first will be last and the poor will inherit the treasures of the earth.”
Citing Pope Leo XIV and Saint Augustine, Cardinal Tobin states: “God who created you without you will not save you without you.” He encourages everyone to participate in God’s work for salvation.
He also points out that “God’s ways are not our ways,” highlighting themes such as humility being strength and power being service. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI’s wonder at how “the eternal Word can become a fragile and mortal child,” Cardinal Tobin answers: “There is only one answer: love.”
The cardinal addresses challenges faced by Jesus from birth but stresses that others provided him love and protection. He writes: “In times of doubt and tension like those we live in today, we find comfort knowing that God does not abandon us nor remain distant. The Good News of Jesus shines with hope…”
He calls on Catholics to act on their faith by caring for those in need: “Do we care for the poor, for homeless people, for foreigners living among us? Do we work to protect the most vulnerable—the children, elderly and sick—just as Mary and Joseph cared for their newborn entrusted to them?”
Concluding his message he says: “May the hope revealed in Jesus Christ fill your hearts this Christmas…I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas full of joy!”
