I would like to send warm greetings to my compatriots across the world! I hope you celebrate this Christmas in gratitude and joy. Our compatriots live in very different circumstances and true Christmas joy arrives once we have settled our disputes, so that we can be happy and free to gather around the Christmas tree. Only this way can we receive Christmas blessings. I am glad we have Christmas traditions in Estonia and they live on, despite today’s fears and uncertainty about the future.

The greatest gift you can give to others on Christmas Eve is a sincere and heartfelt smile. Because if there is no love between people, there can be no Christmas. The most important message of Christmas is that God has loved the world and through this love, He wants to create love among people towards one another.

The Estonian home has a huge importance in Christmas traditions and this is why Christmas and the warmth of home are vital. Christmas is a holiday celebrating the home. Estonians have always cherished their home and pray to God this continues!

During Advent, we light another candle every week. The first Advent Sunday tells us that there will be more light. The Advent period brings many concerts across the world. Music is the wealth of the Estonian people.

This year, our experience tells us that our whole lives are subject to changes. Our hearts beat, we breathe in and out, we are awake and go to sleep. We live by the rhythm of day and night, we look forward to spring and winter, summer and autumn. To each their own. All of this is repeated, yet there is a new kind of anticipation every year. This anticipation involves many pleasant things. We write holiday cards and think about our friends. I am not saying this as an advertisement to post offices worldwide but I urge you to keep sending Christmas cards. The Advent period includes many other activities in preparation for the holidays. As we wait for Christmas, we know it will come. Enough snow for skiing is not essential for Christmas, even if we do wish for it. Christmas can be green and this is how it is in many countries. What is certain is that Christmas comes at just the right time.

I read a study that claimed young people especially value routine. An unexpected fact! Yet, when you think about it, there is truth to it. Why are we moved by Christmas events? Why do we consider the Christmases of our childhood particularly special? When you look at it more closely, the sense of holiness must be related to the festive nature of Christmas. True joy does not fade in the darkest of nights.

With these thoughts, I am lighting the Advent candles, wishing everyone lots of light and joy. This year, I am celebrating Christmas in the birth city of Jesus, Bethlehem.

My message to all Estonians across the world – guard the Christmas light, may it light our path. May good angels watch over us all!

Bishop Tiit Salumäe