Christmas Message 2012, from Church Leaders in Limerick
The 25th December is near enough the darkest
day of the year, so its tempting to see Christmas as a party to forget
the harsh realities of life. There is a lot of darkness around. The
impact of the budget on some of the most vulnerable members of our
community is going to make their lives even more of a struggle. Those
who thought investing in a home was something that would bring security
now find that negative equity has robbed them of all hope for the
future. Then comes news from the United States, a massacre of the
innocents, twenty children and six teachers, in Newtown, Connecticut.
In the midst of all this darkness the Christmas Gospel
states “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not
overcome it” (John 1.5). The Christmas story points us to where hope can
be found and where light is shining. Light is shining in the many
carers for whom this Christmas day will be like any other day, caring
for a loved one who needs their support. Light is shining among those
who will spend their Christmas day with the homeless as they eat
together. It is shining in the work of doctors, nurses, and members of
the emergency services who will be there, as always, to help us, if we
need them. It will be there in the many community groups and
organizations whose volunteers work tirelessly to improve the lives of
others. The list of people who care selflessly for others, goes on and
on. They are stars that light up the darkness. Their work often goes
unnoticed, but they carry on caring.
In the next few days the trains and boats and planes
will be full of people who have made a special effort not to miss out.
Being home for Christmas is really special. Its a time to be with family
and friends. If we are fortunate enough to spend Christmas with
children so much the better. Their joy, wonder and sheer excitement is
infectious. We celebrate with those we love, because good relationships
are among God’s greatest gifts to us and Christmas is a time to be
thankful for the gift of those who love us.
However the story that lies behind our Christmas
celebration is not a family party. Far from it. The story is about
Mary, a vulnerable young woman away from home with nowhere to stay, and
about to give birth. Joseph is with her, but he can’t provide for Mary
as he would wish. Mary and Joseph find themselves at the mercy of a
very busy inn keeper. The inn is fully booked. The inn keeper is run
off his feet. But he listens to the young couple, and he takes the time
to do what he can. He offers Mary and Joseph shelter where the animals
were usually kept. The innkeeper takes time to care. The little he
offers is enough for God’s greatest gift to be offered to us all.
The Christmas story tells us that God is with us no matter what our circumstances may be.
But God has linked our lives together in families and communities.
And God depends upon us to be agents of his love in the world as we care for all those in need.
Each one of us can be a light in the darkness.
No one person can do everything that is needed, but each one of us can make a difference.
It may be a phone call to
someone who is away from home, visiting a neighbour who is alone, or
responding to one of the many charities who make special appeals over
Christmas.
So let’s follow the example of the inn keeper, let’s do the little we can, for those in need, because we care.
That’s the spirit of Christmas.
Have a joyful one!
Church of Ireland, Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe
Fr Tony Mullins,
Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Limerick