Each year when, as bishops, we are invited to bless the SHARE crib in the centre of Cork City there is the feeling that we are getting to the heart of what Christmas is about. Surrounded by people doing their Christmas shopping, by workers caught in the midst of the commercial frenzy and among people heading home at the end of the day, we join with the young people around their crib placed at the centre of Corks life to mark the season and to proclaim the Christmas message: God is with us.

The baby in the manger, Jesus Christ, is God's way of saying that he has come among us and stands alongside us today. His presence is for all time and all situations. At Christmas, we remind ourselves of his unfailing love. At Christmas, we get strength and hope for what has been and for what is to come. He has become like us, one of us, to raise us up to himself.

The challenge to us, in turn, is to share that light with in our world. We are called to be with his people who are in need, those who are alone, those who find Christmas difficult, and to help to build the peace of the Christ-Child in the year that lies ahead.

May you and yours be blessed with his peace.