Christmas Message of Bishop Jasmin Milić (2025)
Christmas Message of the Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church in Croatia and Serbia, Jasmin Milić
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Once again, we celebrate Christmas, that is, the Christmas season, at a turning point of time—at the close of one year and on the threshold of another. It is precisely at such a moment that the Church confesses a truth which transcends all historical circumstances: in Christ the old passes away and the new begins. He comes as Emmanuel, God with us, not in the power and splendor of this world, but in humility and closeness. He leaves behind the glory of heaven, enters our transience, and becomes “small” (Christmas) for our sake, so that through Him we might be renewed and raised to imperishable life. In His birth, God draws near to us and reveals His face—the face of love, mercy, and salvation.
In a world marked by wars, violence, injustice, and fear, it becomes ever clearer that humanity has no answer on its own to the deep wounds of mankind. Technology, power, and political projects cannot bring true peace to the human heart or to nations. The only true answer to the darkness of our time is Christ—the Prince of Peace. Yet this peace begins where Christ is born not only in the manger of Bethlehem, but in the human heart. If He is not born in our hearts, if we do not allow Him to transform our thoughts, words, and deeds, then even outward peace cannot become a reality.
Christ does not come merely to be born, but to remain with humanity forever. An ancient Christian greeting still resounds powerfully today: Christ is among us—He is, and He ever shall be. He comes also to us, into our personal and communal life situations, and speaks to us: “Do not be afraid.” He is with us amid the uncertainty of the world, in the anxiety of nations, and in the weakness of every individual. Christmas reminds us that God is not a distant observer of human suffering, but that in Christ He embraces it as the reality of His own earthly life, so as to identify fully with humanity and to bring us hope and salvation.
Christmas is the beginning of a new relationship between God and humankind, but it is also a gaze toward the future. He who came as a child will come again as King—not in humility, but in glory. Therefore, today we joyfully receive Christ as our Redeemer, so that when He comes again, we may meet Him with confidence as our Lord.
May this Christmas, and all the days of our lives, Christ be King in our hearts, in our families, and in our society. Let us be bearers of His peace in a world that is in need of Christ.
With this faith and hope, I wish all Christians and all people of good will a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026, filled with the peace that comes from God and with the love of God revealed to us in Christ.
At Christmas, 2025
Bishop Jasmin Milić
