November 25, 2002

WOLFENBUETTEL, Germany – The message of hope through Christmas is much needed today in a world with increasingly little concern for human dignity, and where poverty and disease undermine life, says Bishop emeritus Dr Christian Krause, President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), in this year's Christmas message.

The full text of the 2002 LWF Christmas message follows:

2002 Christmas Message from LWF President, Bishop em. Dr Christian Krause to the communion's member churches

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the worldwide "Communio Lutherana,"

The enduring annual fascination about Christmas is rooted in the message emanating from this one unique night in the history of humankind. It is one, indeed it is the message of hope for us and for our children – here and the world over. We still need it today; hope built on fulfilled and dignified human life – even in situations where human dignity is continuously and repeatedly trampled underfoot, and where poverty and disease undermine life itself. I think of the millions who are victims of racism, the oppression and mistreatment of women and children; exploitation of the "untouchables," the 250 million Dalits on the Indian subcontinent; I think of the growing stream of refugees, of the poor and those affected by HIV/AIDS. And I think of Bethlehem on the West Bank of the Jordan, surrounded by tanks.

While some still blame God for allowing all this brutality and human suffering, others experience the mystery of Christmas. God is at their side, is one of them, coming into the world, to the homeless, in the poverty of a stable. Bethlehem yesterday and today – it is here that the hope for peace and justice, for salvation and dignity has a chance, rooted in God's merciful presence. This hope has a name: Jesus Christ. Follow him!

Sisters and brothers in the worldwide communion of the Lutheran World Federation, it is my hope that you will place your trust in the mystery of Christmas and, even when suffering hardship, will rest assured of God's presence and mercy. "Do not be afraid; ...to you is born this day ...a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). As we move into the New Year I greet you with the theme of our LWF Tenth Assembly, that originates in the hope of the Christmas message: "For the Healing of the World."

Sincerely,

Bishop emeritus Dr Christian Krause

Lutheran World Information