The bungled terrorist attack in New York on Monday is another sign that we all must remain vigilant during the Christmas season. The futile effort of a lone would-be bomber is evidence that all terrorist activity is ultimately self-defeating.

As Catholics, we are people of hope and we will remain resilient despite whatever comes our way. No terrorist, no naysayer, can overshadow the Christmas message that Jesus was God Incarnate and He chose to live among us to give witness to the power of the Spirit.

Jesus’ birth gives us reason to hope to live our lives free from the darkness of any terrorist threat. Jesus’ birth means that darkness will not prevail and that we can rightfully proclaim joy to the world.