Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula warned against the obsession with wealth and power that fuels what he described as the “unceasing abuse of the public trust,” saying such distortions empty the true meaning of Christmas.

In his Christmas message, Advincula cautioned that celebrations lose their depth when humility is replaced by the worship of power and material gain.

“Seen more broadly, if we imitate King Herod — if we no longer know how to kneel in humility and instead worship and bow before other gods-then our celebration of Christmas becomes shallow and empty,” he said.

The prelate raised concerns about the impact of power and wealth on society, particularly on governance and institutions meant to serve the common good.

“If obsession with wealth and intoxication with power rule our society, how can we ever set right our distorted systems and the unceasing abuse of the public trust?”

As the year ends, the cardinal urged the faithful to turn away from wrongdoing and reject forces that destroy the future of the nation.

“Before the year ends, and as we commemorate the Birth of Jesus, let us walk away from darkness and sin. Let us resist the Herods who mercilessly destroy our future,” said Advincula.

He called on Catholics to return to humility and faith as they mark Christmas.

“Let us journey toward Bethlehem. Let us kneel before the Redeemer-Emmanuel, the Star, the Light of our salvation and our peace.”