“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." The Nativity of the Lord is a significant day of the Catholic all over the world. The image of an infant lying in a manger is a sign of the light. That light of truth , peace and lives appeared to dispel the dark and bring warmth for people in cold winter. Being a Catholic , none better than anybody , we understand and feel obviously happiness of the great Mass. Like other countries in general and other Parishes in particular, the Christmas arrived Thanhhoa Diocese like great favour and particular present.

In cold winter night, the Christ has been born as a colorful light. That is the light of the Love, belief and hope. The Christ is a small seed that The Lord sowed in the Earth to sympathize with the poor condition and people of goodwill. Social work is always interested specially and a very significant activity in Xmas. Before the Christmas, Thanhhoa Diocese brought warmth to luckless person in society. Love and sharing made people feel happiest. The Lord is always just and no matter how rich or poor, successful or unsuccessful we are, He never abandons somebody, but He is always side by side to confer His Love for all people. In happiness of great Mass, Bishop Joseph Nguyen chi Linh with some nuns, benefactors, seminarians in Bishop House and students in Thanhhoa organized a visit to the Cam Thuy leper’s hospital. Life of people in there is very difficult because they have to face with sickness: however, they are always happy to share together their pain about physical and spirit. Bishop Joseph who always travels with everyone was enthusiastic and friendly with smile warmly. Thus, no matter how cold it is, we felt warm. To make atmosphere ebullient, the monks, the nuns and seminarians had interesting acts such as songs, interesting stories..., so everybody became close. Everyone gathered together to talk, sing and laugh. How wonderful it is! The traveling was very meaningful with many feeling and wishing for each person. As for student, they took out many valuable lessons for life. Life needs sharing and sympathy. This is the first present that the Diocese want confer the God with tender heart. And this is present that the Lord wants to bring for the Earth.

In these days, it is rather cold. In center of Thanhhoa Diocese, the Xmas’atmosphere was overwhelmed with wonderful works such as stone cave. In the Xmas 2011, Diocese had large investment about material and spirit. The lantern was considered the biggest lamp in Vietnam which is decorated luxurious with trying everyone’s best in Diocese. Apart from that, the stone cave also was decorated beautiful and luxurious with image of Joseph’s family, sheep and camel. According to Bible “you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” and the Christ is light and lives of human being. The great festival days lasted in 4 days on December 21^st – 24^th 2011 with 4 titles. All of ones made the Christ’s birthday become more solemn and meaningful. The life is very hard and hectic, so people have to run a race with time, work and achievement. Being back in manger of the Christ, people felt simple, warm and safe.  In Christmas Eve, we not only gathered together to pray and share in the Christ’s birthday, but also we welcomed hearty many new friends who have no religion , so we had many chances to share and talk about our Catholicism.  In cold darkness, the songs and piece of music of angels were resounded, the atmosphere became more crowed. On 21^st and 22^nd, with participation indispensable of many famous singers in Vietnam such as Gia An, Thanh Su, Phi Nguyen attracted thousands of people and many other Parishes joining in. What is more, interesting dances of nuns, Hai Dong coral, Sam Son Parish made performance become more hectic and significant. We probably see that thousands of people came to Chinh Toa Parish and ThanhHoa Bishop House outnumber each night, so atmosphere became warm unusually. With the songs, on behalf of thousands of Catholics, the artists offered the heart of love and thanks to the Christ.

On 23^rd, it left many impressions in each person’s heart. With giant lantern, more than 40 cars which decorated many flowers all showed culture of Catholic community. The Bishop Joseph said that” Noel is the most important Mass of Catholic, That is the birthday of the Christ who established the Catholicism, so we would like to showed our happiness with all our ability. As you know, Noel became festival of all over the world, of Vietnam and of Thanhhoa. In significant atmosphere, we thank everyone’s presentation and wish you would be successful in work and life”. The procession of over 40 cars which were decorated with Xmas symbol and image the Jesus made the stress noisy. I had deep impression the Kids of Vuon Hong Kindergarten because of their brightness and innocence. How lovely they are! They brought smile, joyfulness and hope. The lovely eyes and lips made me feel warm. The little angles always waved their hand and sent “Merry Christmas” to everyone. On December 24^th, all over the world rejoiced the litter star’s appearance. That is the Christ. Like the night 23^rd, the procession the Christ was taken place imposing with hundreds of candles and lights. Everybody converged the centre of Diocese more crowded. At 22.30 p.m, no matter how freezing the night is, almost everyone stayed to take part in the Mass without distinguishing between Catholicism and other religions. The Bishop Joseph shared very much about Noel, unity and gave greeting and thanks to everyone who are not the same our belief. The Bishop confered peace for all people The Mass finished with many meaning. As for me, that was the time I prayed, offered an apology and thanked the God.  

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way

Oh what fun it is to ride in a one- horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way

Oh what fun it is to ride in a one- horse open sleigh

That was the bell which is signal of the Christ’s appearance. The Christ, are you cold? Standing near Belem Cave, I suddenly sheded tear with many feelings. That was the tear of merriness and hope. I am sure that you will have the feeling the same when you pray and talk with the Lord tenderly. Unlike other baby, our Christ was born in cold Cave with warmth of sheep and camel’s breathing, He still smiled brilliant. The life of Joseph and Maria’s family is really difficult: however, they are always happy and satisfied, so the Christ is the most beautiful and meaningful for them. He is the hopeful seed that the Lord sowed into the Earth. Kneeling near Belem Cave, I want to talk and share very much with Him. Our Father, I wish I would have a good-hearted heart, a tender sentiment and a bright soul. I wish the Earth would not have conflicts, envy and the truth, justice would be dominated.

In conclusion, I wish you would have Christmas time peaceful, happiness. The Xmas is also chance for us to improve our behaviour , forgive and sympathize foe each other’s condition. Being simpleness and sincerity are things that the Lord wants us to perform. In deepness of my heart I want to give my sincere word to you :“Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year”.

Ps: Some moments and wonderful memories in Thanhhoa Diocese: