At Christmas, God comes to us as a child, vulnerable, wordless,
dependant and he evokes a love from us that is free, faithful and
joyful.
Christmas is very much a family time.
In a busy world family can
easily be neglected. Time spent with family is very important to keep
us mindful of our roots, our faith and the values which we have
inherited. A special welcome to those who have travelled long distances
to be with their family this Christmas.
In the West of Ireland where
we have experienced high levels of emigration we are delighted to be
joined by our exiles from overseas.
There was no room for Jesus at the Inn on Christmas night, for the
homeless in our society this is their sad experience.
In many ways this
is a reflection on our society and it presents us with an urgent
challenge which we cannot ignore.
We learn our own identity by reflecting on and retelling the story of
Christmas.
In a sophisticated world we need to approach Christmas with
a child-like simplicity and ensure that in the midst of the hustle and
bustle we will create space and time for Jesus Christ in our hearts and
homes this Christmas.
In this season of goodwill we have an opportunity
to re-connect, reach out and visit neighbours for whom this may be a
difficult, lonely and anxious time.
May the peace and joy which he
brought to our world enable us to live as people who have hope in our
hearts.
This will enable and encourage us to light a candle of hope in
what, for many, may be a dark world.
+Michael Neary
Archbishop of Tuam