Christmas - Bishop of Trier calls for a change of perspective
At Christmas, Bishop Stephan Ackermann of Trier has called on the faithful to change their perspective. This year, he felt that the reality of the world and the message of Christmas "clashed particularly starkly", explained Ackermann in his sermon for Holy Mass on Christmas Day, according to a manuscript distributed in advance. This is, of course, primarily due to the fact that "of all places, the little piece of earth on which Jesus was born and the angels proclaimed peace on earth is being torn apart by terror and war", said the bishop.
Since the inhumane attacks by Hamas on October 7, the Middle East conflict has experienced an escalation that is unparalleled. Added to this are the war in Ukraine, the fight against climate change, the challenges posed by refugee movements, increased anti-Semitism and right-wing populism, but also "the burdens and fears of our own lives".
The Christmas message speaks of "messengers of joy announcing peace" - a "blatant contradiction" to reality, as the bishop explained. However, if you look at this "from God's point of view", it becomes clear that "God raises an objection to the prevailing conditions with which we have come to terms for so long. At Christmas, God raises objections to the world as it is." Even 2000 years ago, it was not an ideal world, but a world of oppression, war, slavery and exploitation. Against this, God sets his "objection in favor of life".
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- Bishop Stephan Ackermann, from Rhineland-Palatinate's Trier, advocated for a change of perspective during the recent Christmas celebration, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including the escalation after the Hamas attacks on October 7, as an example of the world's harsh realities contrasting with the message of peace at Christmas.
- In his Holy Mass sermon, Bishop Ackermann highlighted the disagreement between the Christmas message, which promises joy and peace, and the current global reality that is plagued by war and terror, such as in the Palestinian territories.
- Demonstrating a change of perspective, Bishop Ackermann emphasized that even 2000 years ago, during Jesus' birth, the world was far from utopian, characterized by oppression, war, slavery, and exploitation, but God opposes these conditions and champions life.
- In an interview, Christian leader Stephan Ackermann linked the current conflict in the Middle East to the need for a change in perspective during Christmas, raising concerns about Israel and the Palestinian territories, among other global issues, especially in light of increased terrorism, anti-Semitism, and right-wing populism.
- As the Bishop of Trier, Bishop Ackermann acknowledges his role in encouraging a more compassionate and understanding perspective when celebrating Christmas, acknowledging global issues and the need for peace and love not only during the holiday season but all year round, in places like Trier, Israel, and across the globe.
Source: www.stern.de
