It hardly seems a year since the Chaplaincy team set their minds to thinking about a prayer for the Christmas edition of The Flagpole. A year in which so much has happened: A General Election in the UK; an American Presidential election; war in Ukraine continues and famine reported in parts of Africa and elsewhere; the Summer Olympics, a total solar eclipse and the list goes on. Your own list might include the joy and happiness of family celebrations, exam success, moving up a year group, a sporting success and new adventures. Sadly, this Christmas might also be one of sad memories as you grieve for the loss of a loved one.
In the midst of all the preparations for Christmas it can be easy to forget its true meaning. A gift not wrapped in colour paper and a bow but rather that of a child wrapped in ‘swaddling clothes’. A gift that indeed keeps on giving in the person of Jesus Christ. A gift of joy, a gift of forgiveness and a gift who can identify with us in our human state. This is a gift that will last a lifetime if we allow His presence into our lives.
A Christmas Prayer:
In this holy season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus may we be mindful of all that is good in our lives: family, friends and freedoms easily taken from granted.
May our Christmas greetings be ones of sincerity and blessings.
May our Christmas tables be full not only of food but of friendship and love to all who gather to celebrate.
May our thoughts be with those whom this Christmas will be one of sorrow and grief.
May the new year, be one of receiving and giving love and encouragement to all whom we meet on our life journey.
Amen
Fr Alan Whelan MSC and Mrs Mary Benham