In a conference call on Christmas Day in 1986, the Focolare founder encouraged us not to forget those who are lonely, sick, and facing trials in life, offering with them every suffering as a precious gift to the Child born in Bethlehem.

Today the warmth of Christmas makes us all feel more like a family, more one, and more like true brothers and sisters who share everything, both joys and sorrows. Above all, we want to share the pain of those who, through various circumstances, are spending this Christmas in direct contact with suffering…

If we look at suffering from a human standpoint, we are tempted to find causes for it either within or outside of us, for example, in other people’s wrongdoing, in nature, or other things… We say that accident is Juan’s fault; that illness is my fault; that painful situation or trial came about because of Maria…

All this can be true, but if we think only in these terms, we forget the most important thing. We lose sight of the fact that God’s love is behind all that happens to us. God wills or permits everything for a higher purpose: our own good.

So then, what can we say to people struggling with suffering? What Christmas wishes can we offer them? How can we relate to them?

First, let’s approach them with the greatest respect. Even though they may not think so, at this very moment, God is at their side. Then let’s share their crosses as far as we can. Let’s assure them that we are always with them and praying for them, so that they may be able to take what distresses and causes them pain directly from the hands of God… Let’s help them bear in mind the value of suffering and remind them of the marvelous Christian principle in our spirituality that helps us see the countenance of Jesus crucified and forsaken in suffering and, by loving him, transform it into joy.

Knowing that those who walk in God’s ways cannot avoid suffering, our Christmas wishes might be… that everyone may know how to welcome all the small or great sufferings they encounter with great love and present them as a gift for the Child Jesus born today, just as the three wise men offered their gifts. It will be the best incense, the best gold, and the best myrrh that we could place in the Nativity scene.

Chiara Lubich

Rocca di Papa, December 25, 1986

From the book “Conference Calls,” pp. 246-248