Christmas Message 2012 - Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnoise

Christmas Message from the Bishop

Some people who are promoting healthy eating habits like to tell us that “we are what we eat”. At Christmas there is a different way of describing what we are which appeals to me. It says: “You are what you give”. 

This appeals greatly to me because it is close to the essential meaning of Christmas. 

What we celebrate at this time is the greatest gift of all, the gift of the Son of God who gave himself to us.

It is my hope and best wish for all of you that whatever you give to others may contain something of yourselves. 

 Gifts and messages which clearly show our love, our care and even our forgiveness can be especially welcome. 

When this truly happens both the giver and the receiver are the richer for the gift.

I wish you every blessing and happiness for your Christmas and for the year which follows.


Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois