As we come to celebrate Christmas this year, we are mindful of the many places in our world troubled by wars, violence, climatic issues, economic disadvantage, and endless challenges. We are invited to walk with Mary and Joseph on the road to the Bethlehem’s of our heart. All was not well in the time of Mary and Joseph as they embraced the call of bringing the Prince of Peace into our world. They did this amid the conflicts of their time, and yet they did this with hope in their hearts that a new era of peace among people would emerge.
In Luke’s gospel story of Christmas, we find the shepherds being visited by the angels who bring the message of joy and peace, ‘for you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour who is the Messiah, the Lord’. (Luke 2:1) They hasten to find the promised Prince of Peace, the Christ Child. Let us hasten to be instruments of peace. As John Dear writes:
On this Christmas Eve, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year. Like Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi, the Church invites us to become Pilgrims of Hope. Mary and Joseph model this Pilgrimage of Hope for us. They open themselves to the mystery unfolding within, with trust and attentiveness.
On this Christmas Day, may we open ourselves to God who continues to reveal love to each one of us in our ordinary everyday lives. May this generous act of love flow from us into our world through acts of kindness, words of hope, the gift of time and a helping hand, so that people can see the presence of God in us.
Let us draw inspiration from these words of Mary MacKillop:
May the blessing of joy be with you, the blessing of peace be yours, the blessing of love flow through you. May the blessings of the Christ Child sustain you and your loved ones this Christmas.
Sr Monica Cavanagh
Congregational Leader
You’re invited to view a Christmas and New Year greetings video from the two Unions of Superiors General, UISG and USG on YouTube here.
[1] A Christmas prayer for peace by John Dear, 18.12.2007: www.ncronline.org/blogs/road-peace/christmas-prayer-peace