Udupi: Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Catholic Diocese, said that the festival of Christmas gave the message of peace and compassion in society.

In his Christmas message here on Wednesday, Dr. Lobo said Christmas heralded the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. “His magnetic personality was both human and divine. His life was an open book which revealed the infinite love and compassion of God towards man.”

“Christmas cribs, Christmas cards, Christmas carols, Christmas star, Christmas sweets along with the Santa Claus evoke in us feelings of joy and excitement on the birth of the Divine Babe of Bethlehem,” he said.

Quoting Rabindranath Tagore, he said, “Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.”

“Jesus, the divine child, is the visible face of the invisible God. He summarised all the laws and prophetic instructions into the love of God and love of neighbour. He preached and practiced forgiveness. He presented love as the panacea for all the ills of mankind,” he said.

“Peace to men of good will, sang the angels at his birth. Indeed, as Mahatma Gandhi felt, he is our peace. May he grant us his divine peace and unite all of us into one family. May his peace be with you at Christmas and throughout the New Year 2018,” Dr. Lobo added.

Earlier, Dr. Lobo participated in a get-together programme held at the Bishop’s House here, as part of the Christmas celebrations and cut the Christmas cake. Delia Pais, General Manager Corporation Bank Udupi Zone, Prashanth Jattanna, Member, Christian Development Board, and others were present.