Diocesan News23 Dec 08

Joint Christmas Message from the Bishops of Kilmore

Christmas 2008

Personal stress, financial crisis, blatant injustice, rampant greed are all ingredients of this past year 2008. Who would have believed this time last year that we would be where we are this time this year? So much can happen in one year and so much has!

Hard Times
For many this Christmas is a Christmas in the context of uncertainty, angst and hardship. For some the dream of quick profits on property purchases has become a personal nightmare. The expectations of a growing successful business have proved to be false expectations. The Investment Funds which seemed so secure have proved to be another victim of the global financial crisis. School after school in our country is facing unprecedented challenges because of budget cuts and financial constraints. This Christmas, for more than predicted, has become a Christmas of 'hard times'!

Good News
The first Christmas was also an experience of hard times. For Mary and Joseph personal stress, future uncertainty, financial crisis, blatant injustice and rampant greed were all ingredients of their world. Yet in the midst of crisis there was hope, even good news. By faith they journeyed. In faith they called their baby Jesus, which means Rescuer, Saviour, and Liberator. The message of the angels rang out, 'I bring you good news of great joy, unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord!' Mary saw a bigger picture and pondered these things in her heart.

Reality Check
There is a bigger picture. As Jesus said, 'Man cannot live by bread alone!' Could it be that this year we are experiencing a timely reminder of that truth? Are we really experiencing a reality check? Could it be that the Christmas message is as relevant as ever?  We have needs that are deeper than money can meet? The values of honesty, fairness, transparency and accountability are not so out-of-date after all?  Perhaps the One who taught us to love our neighbour has something to say to the 21st Century? The Good News message of the angels is where great joy can be found … not in the empty promises of fraudulent pretenders!

This Christmas may you and your loved ones, both here and abroad, know the lasting joy and solid hope of Jesus Christ the Lord! Please remember in your prayers all who are in special need at this time and also all in the caring professions who will be working over Christmas.

Bishop Leo O’Reilly     Bishop Ken Clarke
Bishop of Kilmore       Bishop of Kilmore Elphin & Ardagh

ENDS