The Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs is calling on Christians to re-engage with the social challenges Jesus Christ calls them to confront.

“We will soon be celebrating Christmas,” wrote Dr Bart Shaha in a seasonal message to YMCA supporters around the world.

“In a world where the majority of people are now severely suffering from the consequences of the global financial crisis, where everyday nearly a billion people are going to bed hungry, where people die of cholera, tuberculosis and many other diseases that could easily be controlled, where many face threats to life due to violence and conflicts around them, the fundamental question facing us as we await the birth of Jesus is: ‘How are we living the values for which Jesus Christ came to this world?’”

Dr Shaha pointed to the YMCA’s vision to build a society of justice, love and peace, and called on the organisation’s supporters to use the period of Advent to self-reflect on their Christian engagement.

“The Christmas Season is always an important period to reflect on the mission of our movement and be inspired to re-commit ourselves to the challenges which Jesus Christ calls us to be engaged in, in today’s context,” he said.

Dr Shaha reaffirmed the commitment of the global organisation to addressing climate change and the environment, justice for young people, conflict mediation, the rights of women and children, and dialogue with other faiths.

He urged people to make the changes necessary in their own lives to help the world become a better place.

“This period of waiting before Christmas – Advent, is a special time of prayer and deep reflection on what the new born Christ wants us to engage in during the coming year in our longing to build a better world,” he said.

“It is a time to think of the changes that we are going to be involved in, in pursuing the mission for which we exist, changes in our community, our world and our own Movement.

“It is a time to think of the changes that are necessary, even in our own personal lives, to live up to the values we cherish.”

The World Alliance of YMCAs is formed of national-level branches in 124 countries.