Cardinal Quevedoand The message of Christmas is Peace

Below is the Christmas message of His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD, archbishop of Cotabato Beloved People of Cotabatoand
The message of Christmas is Peace. On the hills of Bethlehem,
an angel from heaven announced the birth of Jesus and a multitude of heavenly
host” sang to poor shepherds, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth
peace among those whom he favors. (Luke 2:14)The Christian Scriptures tell us that the baby is Jesus. We,
Christians, believe in Jesus as God who became Man, the Son of God, the Lord
and Savior of the World. Our Muslim brothers
and sisters believe that Jesus, Isa ibn Maryam, in the Qur’an was a great Prophet,
the Messiah.
The Virgin Mother of Jesus is Mary, or Maryam in the Qur’an. We
Christians believe her to be the Mother of God.
Our Muslim brothers and sisters believe her as a very great woman, chosen
above all women” to become a mother while remaining a virgin.
For peace to reign among people of different moral and
religious beliefs, mutual respect is a basic requirement. Openness to one
another, mutual respect and understanding – these are essential human values
for human harmony. They can overcome
deep-seated biases and prejudices that prevent us from reaching a just and
lasting peace.
On Christmas Day and everyday of our lives may our God in Jesus
pour his love and compassion upon us. May the values necessary for peace be the
norm of our daily life. May the peace that God alone can give finally come to
all of us, to you and your families, to our communities, and to our region.
A blessed Christmas to one and all!