The International Chaplain of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights (IACK), Bishop John Opoku-Agyemang, has urged members of the organization and Christians worldwide to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas by focusing on humility, human dignity and solidarity with the vulnerable.
In his 2025 Christmas message to members of the Alliance, Bishop Opoku-Agyemang described the birth of Jesus Christ as a turning point in human history, noting that Christmas celebrates God’s decision to enter the world in humility rather than power or grandeur.
He said the manner of Christ’s birth – poor, simple, and hidden – remains central to the Christian faith, even as modern celebrations have become increasingly commercialized. According to him, the original message of Christmas was “simple, pure and holy,” but has been overshadowed by buying, selling and attempts to explain away the mystery of Christ’s birth.
Despite these changes, the chaplain said Christmas continues to inspire reflection and wonder, adding that its enduring message affirms the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. He stressed that this belief places a responsibility on Catholic Knights to defend, love and show solidarity with all people, especially the weak and marginalized.
Bishop Opoku-Agyemang also linked the Christmas message to what he described as the “Year of Hope,” saying Christ’s humble birth offers encouragement in the face of poverty, oppression, violence, racism and tribalism around the world. He emphasized that God’s incarnation shows divine closeness to human suffering and provides strength to cope with life’s challenges, not only the promise of eternal life.
Calling on members of the Alliance to live out the message of Christmas, the chaplain urged them to “bring the Child Jesus out of the manger” by reaching out to the sick, the poor, young people struggling with addiction, troubled families, the elderly and those facing trauma or sudden tragedy.
He concluded by encouraging Catholic Knights to share the hope and compassion symbolized by Christmas through concrete acts of charity and service, wishing members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
