Diocesan News17 Dec 15

Christmas Message from the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Ken Good

Not just for Christmas

A friend was talking to me recently about the loss of their family dog, which had lived to the grand old age of 18. He’d been bought as a puppy at Christmastime and had brought so much love and joy to his new home for so many years that, when he finally died, it truly did feel like a death in the family.

Not all pets are as fortunate, of course, to find such a loving home. Animal charities can be inundated with unwanted puppies in the months after Christmas, once owners have become aware of – and perhaps been overwhelmed by – the responsibility that comes with keeping a pet. Animal charities remind us that a puppy is for life, not just for Christmas.

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It’s a time of rich traditions, of family memories, of warm associations and of great joy, because at its spiritual centre is the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus.

St Luke’s Gospel describes how the news of Jesus’s birth was given to the shepherds who feature in the nativity story. They were frightened when an angel appeared to them, but the angel reassured them, saying: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” And suddenly a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.”

Why is there great joy for all people? Because, in Jesus, we’ve been offered the gift of peace and the gift of good will. These two gifts are at the heart of our Christmas traditions and celebrations. Peace – His peace – is perhaps the greatest gift we can receive. And good will is among the greatest gifts we can bestow on others.

These gifts aren’t just for Christmas, they’re for every day. Once the decorations have been put away and the Christmas tree has come down, let us pray that we continue to receive the gift of Christ’s peace each and every day of the year. And let us determine to give to others the gift of good will each and every day.

A very peaceful and happy Christmas to you all; and a very peaceful and happy New Year.