13 دی 1372
Message on the Anniversary of the Birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him)
Summary
Khamenei calls for unity among Christians and Muslims, condemning global powers' materialism and urging adherence to divine teachings for justice.
Translation note: This English text is a machine-assisted translation of the Persian transcript published by the Office of the Supreme Leader (leader.ir). For exact wording, consult the Persian original below or the linked source.
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
I extend my congratulations on the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, son of Mary, the Word of God, His chosen servant, and His great prophet, to all Christians, Muslims, and believers in that noble figure, especially to our Christian compatriots. Jesus Christ was equipped with miracles and a divine mission to save humanity from the darkness of polytheism, disbelief, ignorance, and oppression, and to guide them to the light of knowledge, justice, and servitude to the Lord. Throughout his time among humans, he never hesitated in his struggle against evil and his call to goodness. This is a lesson that Christians and Muslims, who believe in the prophethood of that great figure, must learn. Today, humanity needs those teachings more than ever, and Islam, which completes the religion of Christ, has placed the call to goodness, righteousness, and perfection at the forefront of its program. Misguided humanity, benefiting from the boundless power of nature granted by the grace of divine knowledge, is moving in the opposite direction of those goals, thereby increasing the burden on the followers of divine religions. The dominant powers and governments of the world, who under the name and guise of Christianity are in reality materialistic and ignorant of the behavior and teachings of Jesus Christ, have constrained the living space for nations and oppressed individuals, sparing no oppression against them. The most tragic examples can be found in the current state of the world. The unprecedented oppression and aggression of the Serbs and Croats against the Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the repeated aggressions of the Armenian government against the Republic of Azerbaijan, are among these. Undoubtedly, the great powers, for various reasons, share in the guilt of these bitter and tragic events. I ask the Almighty God to bestow His guiding light upon humanity and to grant victory to the forces of goodness, righteousness, and justice over the forces of evil, ugliness, and oppression. I also find it necessary to express my appreciation for the stances of our dear Christian compatriots regarding regional and global issues.
Seyyed Ali Khamenei
03/01/1994