Archbishop's Christmas tweets tell of 'helpless baby' who offers 'true freedom'
The Archbishop of Canterbury has issued a Christmas message on Twitter, celebrating how a baby "born in the lowest place" outshone the world's most powerful leaders.
The Most Rev Justin Welby put a modern twist on his festive reflections by this year publishing a thread on the social media site, complete with a hashtag.
His words echoed Pope Francis's address at Christmas Eve Mass in the Vatican, focusing on Jesus's humble beginnings amid poverty and conflict.
Francis told worshippers that the journey made by Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem had parallels with the migrant crisis, as millions of people are "driven from their land".
1. You might be wondering why Christians today are celebrating the birth of Jesus to young, poor parents in a war-torn country ruled by an infant-slaughtering, family-murdering psychopath... read on.
-- Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2017
2. We're celebrating because this helpless baby, born in the lowest place, is the God who has brought and continues to bring more freedom than all earth's most powerful leaders.
-- Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2017
3. Look into that manger. God has all power - yet he lays that power aside for love's sake. And so without fear, force or manipulation he offers true freedom for every human being.
-- Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2017
4. Look into that manger and see Jesus: a divine-human leader who doesn't subdue or diminish His followers. He enables them to be all that a human being can be - to be truly liberated.
-- Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2017
5. This light of truth and love needed witnesses then, and it needs them today. That's the calling of every Christian, in everything we do and say.
-- Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2017
6. That's why we're celebrating today. Because Christ is born - and we're all invited to share in the life and freedom he brings. And that's why I truly wish you all a very Merry Christmas. #GodWithUs
-- Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) December 25, 2017
The Archbishop will deliver his sermon at the Sung Eucharist service at Canterbury Cathedral at 11am.
