Zagreb - Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković has sent a Christmas message to all Croatian citizens and to Croats at home and abroad, highlighting the importance of unity, solidarity and peace.
"The birth of Jesus Christ embodies the victory of love, mercy and hope, which give believers' lives a unique meaning, as well as inspiration for everyday challenges. It is a feast that always brings special joy to our families, reminding us all of the importance of nurturing unity," the message reads.
That sense of unity, Jandroković notes, could be witnessed in a special way during this Advent as well, when large numbers of believers gathered at early morning Advent masses in churches across Croatia in anticipation of the most joyful Christian feast.
"Such Advent preparation is also encouraging because it clearly confirms how alive faith in God remains among our people. It once again reminds us of the strength of our Christian roots, as an inseparable part of our history and our present, our culture and heritage, and our values, which we must pass on to younger generations," he added.
The Speaker of Parliament stresses that at the heart of those Christian values is also a lasting call on believers to bear active witness, through concrete acts of mercy, to humanity and care for others, especially the most vulnerable fellow citizens, and to always be a force in society that builds bridges of unity, solidarity and peace.
"This is particularly important today, at a time of growing global unease, increasingly frequent conflicts, crises and social divisions. In such a world, Christians are especially called to promote optimism in the face of despair, inclusion in the face of exclusion, and understanding in the face of contempt or condemnation."
"May Christmas, as the true light that ultimately overcomes all darkness, further encourage us to act in this way. May it strengthen and enrich our faith and bring peace, love and joy to the hearts and homes of all people of good will throughout our homeland and the world. Once again, I sincerely wish everyone a happy, blessed and peaceful Christmas," Jandroković wrote.