This Christmas, May the World Welcome the Prince of Peace and Refugees from Persecution

Merry Christmas! May the world, which although more peaceful than in the past, is nonetheless troubled by bloody wars, conflicts, terrorism, etc., welcome the Prince of Peace who comes into this world as a poor infant, and may evildoers be defeated or deterred, if not persuaded to convert from their evil ways. May hostages be freed and people liberated from oppression so they may be free to live and to fulfill their vocations and to practice their faith. And may the world, which is becoming increasingly hostile to refugees, remember that the Holy Family of the Christ Child, Mary and Joseph, was forced to escape persecution and flee into Egypt, and be more welcoming and loving to refugees and other migrants, as Jesus teaches us to love our fellow man.