The solemnity of the Lord’s Incarnation is one of the most beautiful and profound celebrations of the Christian faith. In it we contemplate the wondrous mystery by which the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, through the free and generous response of a young woman, becomes one of us without ceasing to be God and entirely without sin. This humble and courageous “yes” of the Virgin Mary opens the way to salvation and reveals the greatness of human freedom when it is placed at the service of the good.
The Incarnation also speaks powerfully to us of the value and sanctity of human life from its very beginning. God himself willed to begin his earthly life in a mother’s womb, thereby sanctifying every stage of life from conception to death. Therefore, this feast calls us to look with respect and love upon every human life, especially the most vulnerable and defenseless.
Today we raise a special prayer for all the children who have not been allowed to be born, for those whose lives have been ended for various reasons. We must not become accustomed to the tragedy caused by abortion. The death of an innocent human being is never a true solution to problems, nor can his or her fate depend on the arbitrary decisions of others.
Human life is a sacred and inviolable gift that must always be protected and defended. Only from this profound respect can we speak consistently about justice, the equality of all people, and true humanity.
+ Raimo Goyarrola
Bishop of Helsinki