Christmas can for many emphasise what it is like being in a sense outside, perhaps physically, emotionally and spiritually. This can surely feel very bleak and dark indeed. But we are also called to remember at Christmas that it is such a world which the story of our salvation begins. Jesus came into the world as an outsider, soon to be a refugee. The light shines in the darkness for all to see. On that first Christmas night we believe that the light of Christ, who was in the womb of Mary, was soon to be born and become the light of the world.
At Christmas we are called to pause with the shepherds, themselves outsiders, and wonder with adoration at this thing that has come to pass, and invite the light of Christ into our hearts. As we do so we can look forward to the coming year, not with a sense of pessimism nor with the false optimism of the world, but with the hope which comes from Christ, who loves us and who gave his life for the world.
With my prayers for a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Fr Colin
‘God often visits us, but most of the time we are not at home’ French Proverb
As we come to the end of another year, and a particularly challenging one at that, this message comes with my sincere thanks to all those who have contributed so much to the life of the parish. It takes a special effort to give time to God and his Church at a time when we are anxious and weary in mind and body. Perhaps it is appropriate at this time in particular to focus on the journey to Bethlehem which a heavily pregnant Mary, and Joseph took on that first Christmas.
St Luke tells us that when they arrived in Bethlehem there was no room for them at the inn. To be exhausted after such a long journey, and then discovering that you are effectively homeless must have been a devastating experience, not least because Mary was about to give birth. One can almost sense the panic that Mary and Joseph must have been feeling.
Christmas must always carry with it the message of goodwill towards all, but particularly those less fortunate than ourselves, not least those who are homeless or those who are isolated.
