The past year has been a period of hope and promise for a harmonious and shared future, according to the Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop Alan Harper. In his Christmas message he states, however, that " many look back with tears and a sense of loss this Christmas. Let them not, in looking back, feel that they are forgotten or alone".
The Primate also refers to the plight of Christians living in Bethlehem today.
He adds: "I pray that it will be safe for them to gather at the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square to celebrate the Incarnation. They kneel there for us and we kneel here with them."
The Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt. Rev Harold Miller, in his Christmas message refers to a recent survey which indicated a lack of knowledge of Christianity among some young people.
He states: "It would seem that churches, schools and parents need to be much more intentional about conveying at least the facts of the Christian faith to an up and coming generation.
"Otherwise, our children will lose the story which has been at the very heart of our civilisation, which begins with the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day."
The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt. Rev Ken Good, in his seasonal message, states that Christmas gives people a reason to seek and find hope, as they embark on another "unpredictable year".
He added: "Hope lies at the heart of Christmas, that in an uncertain, confusing and often hurtful world there really is an ultimate reason for living and a hope which makes sense of our human existence."
Meanwhile, the Protestant and Roman Catholic Bishops of Clogher have issued a joint message underlining the hope of Christmas.
The Church of Ireland Bishop, Dr Michael Jackson, and the Catholic Bishop, Dr Joseph Duffy, noted that the Christmas story is being told "in a world of spiritual erosion" but also said that the Christmas message of justice and compassion teaches a new way, and a challenge of loving one's neighbour.
Meanwhile, the Presbyterian Moderator, the Rt. Rev Dr John Finlay, said that "Christmas is the one religious festival in which most people still participate" and that "the justice and peace which everyone is seeking is attainable".
He urged people to "put Christ back into Christmas and to give God a rightful place in our lives and our society".
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