“A child is born for us.” The announcement that the Church has proclaimed tirelessly for more than 2,000 years resounded throughout the night in all the parishes of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

At St. Joseph Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, presided over the Midnight Mass, with thousands of faithful gathered across the entire church compound.

Before the celebration, the Bishop blessed the Nativity Scene prepared by the Arabic-speaking community beside the church. After the solemn proclamation of the Nativity of Jesus, all the lights in the compound were turned on, and the Bishop placed the statue of the Baby Jesus in the manger.

After four weeks of silence during Advent, the “Gloria” once again resounded in the night.

On this holy night, the Church celebrates the passage from darkness to light: a light has appeared to enlighten those who walked in darkness, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah: “Unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.”

In his homily, Bishop Paolo reflected on Jesus’ choice to be born in poverty.

“He did not want to impose himself through force or violence, as the powerful of this world often do,” he said, “but he chose the path of humility so that we might welcome him freely and not out of fear.”

This year’s celebration was also marked by the Jubilee of Hope.

“This child born in a stable is the hope of the world,” the Bishop continued. “He brings light, peace, and reconciliation, and opens for us the way to salvation.”

Bishop Paolo invited the faithful “to rejoice because God is with us” and to “recognize God’s presence among us,” as the shepherds did.

“The grace of God has appeared,” he concluded. “This gift changes our lives, purifies us, and strengthens us in hope: because we know that His love endures forever, the darkness will never overcome the light of Christ.”

Earlier today, Bishop Paolo issued a Christmas message to the faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate, linking Christmas to the theme of hope: “Now we joyfully celebrate the foundation of that hope. Christ is our hope!”