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Christmas Message from the Bishops of Clogher 2010
Christmas Message from the Bishops of Clogher 2010
When Elizabeth went shopping in preparation for Christmas this year she
had to be careful. Albert, her husband, is on a three day week and her own
part-time hours have been cut. The mortgage has been renegotiated but is
still a heavy responsibility. There are bills too numerous to mention, from
insurance to children’s shoes and schoolbooks, and also the unexpected
expenses that bring worry and strain into family relationships.
Elizabeth often counts her blessings and acknowledges them in her conversation
with God. Albert and herself have a good relationship. She is caring, he
is gentle; they talk a lot and can laugh together. Most of the time, they
enjoy their three children and are glad that they can be boisterous and full
of energy. The children give a focus and a sense of purpose to their lives.
Christmas is a time of birth. Birth is life. New life is always a reason
to celebrate.
The circumstances of the birth of Jesus were stressful and humble. There
were few frills and no toys; simply parents and child, with any extras supplied
by nature. New life has simpler and more fundamental needs than the luxuries
we have foisted on Christmas. Nourishment, affection, comforting, reassurance,
attention, and time are priorities.
Albert has been thinking about how the family will adjust this Christmas
to having less than they had before. He wonders about a return to earlier
times and simpler habits. It’s extraordinary, he says to himself, the
companionship that can be generated when a family gather around the table
for a game of cards or scrabble or whatever. It’s not the game but
the companionship, the banter, the togetherness and the simple treat before
going to bed. Anything that brings father, mother and children together to
chat and listen to one another is a potential source of unity and strength
for the family.
If we remember an experience years afterwards there is no denying its importance.
Albert has been reflecting on people’s accounts of ordinary outings
like a family walk in the park. Sights seen, trees and plants named, bits
of conversations shared with neighbours who stopped to talk, a hand held,
a child lifted to see something, intimate family details spoken of – these
experiences are often remembered lovingly years later, like those details
in the Gospel account that we are told Mary pondered in her heart. It’s
amazing what can become of little acorns.
The Lord kept reminding the people of His time that few things in life are
essential (Matthew 6.25-34). He told them to consider the lilies of the field
and suggests we can avoid unnecessary worry if we trust the Father to provide.
He commended Martha’s sister Mary for the choice she made and suggests
we take time to listen too. He advised against building bigger barns than
are needed and warns we can be damaged by greed. He urged his followers to
welcome the children, to acknowledge the special place they have in the kingdom
and suggests to us that we could learn from their capacity to believe and
trust.
Elizabeth and Albert, if you are approaching the coming festive season with
fear and trepidation why not revisit the Scriptures for guidance? They speak
of pearls and precious things but, according to the Lord, there is only one
treasure of great price for which everything should be staked. That is to
love and serve our neighbour and model this on the love of God shown us in
the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, whose birth we commemorate. His yoke
is easy, his burden is light; his message is liberating. That is why people
of all ages, from shepherds to wise men, to us in our present time, have
always been drawn and still today are drawn to the light of His birth.
+Michael Jackson
+Liam MacDaid