Christmas Day is marked across much of the world as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a moment that has shaped centuries of faith, culture, and tradition, and one that continues to carry meaning far beyond religious boundaries.
At its heart, Christmas tells a story not only of goodwill, but of love: the belief that God chose to enter the world quietly, humbly, and close to humanity.
The Nativity, and a message that endures
The story of the Nativity is told in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, with Luke’s account offering some of the most enduring imagery of Christmas: angels, shepherds, and a child born in the stillness of night.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men,” the angels proclaim in Luke’s Gospel- words that have echoed through centuries and across cultures.
While rooted in Christian belief, the message has travelled far beyond church walls, becoming a shared expression of hope, reconciliation and compassion.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
A global celebration, many traditions
Today, Christmas is observed in countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania, each with its own customs, foods, and rituals. The outward expressions differ, but the underlying themes remain strikingly similar: generosity, kindness, and care for others.
In Cyprus, the season is accompanied by familiar comforts such as kourabiedes, melomakarona and, for many families, souvla shared with loved ones — local touches within a celebration recognised around the world.
More than goodwill- a love story
Beyond tradition and ritual, Christmas is, at its core, a story of love. In Christian belief, Jesus is born not in power or splendour, but in vulnerability- a reminder that love often arrives quietly, without force or spectacle.
For believers, this love is the reason for the season itself. For others, the story still offers a powerful image: light in darkness, hope in uncertainty, and the idea that compassion can change the world.
As Christmas Day unfolds across time zones, its message remains simple and enduring- peace on Earth, goodwill to all, and a reminder that love, when practised, is never wasted.
Our wish
This Christmas Day, wherever and however it is marked, we hope there is room for stillness. For gratitude. For kindness freely given and freely received.
At the heart of Christmas is a story of love: love made vulnerable, love made human, love offered without condition. Light enters the world through love. May that love find a place in your life, and carry with it peace, warmth, and hope.
From all of us, we wish you a Merry Christmas, with peace and goodwill to all.
