Christmas Message 2002

From

The Bishop of Cloyne

“ The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Is. 9:1).

At this time of year when the mornings are slow in giving way to the light of day and the evening darkness rushes in with ever-increasing momentum, enveloping whatever light remains of the shortened day, we are made very conscious of the great contrast between light and darkness. The tradition of lighting up our Christmas Trees, of illuminating our streets and stores and now, more than ever, of using imaginative means of highlighting the exteriors of homes and businesses, sends out a message to all of us to be persons of the light. Indeed, the Feast of Christmas is a feast of light. Because He, who is the Light of the world, comes to us all once more in the form of a little innocent Child, “ a light that shines in the darkness, a light that darkness could not overpower”. (Jn. 1:5).

It seems that in this year 2002 our communities began the festive activities, the lighting-up of our darkness somewhat earlier than heretofore. Was it because we may have noted how we have recently slipped into a darkness that cries out for illumination? Have we come to realise that without the enlightenment of Truth, without the support of mutual respect, without the warmth of human love we can all lose our way in life, indeed we can lose the very meaning of life? Are we so caught up in the things of darkness - the threats of war and violence, the despicable acts of human depravity in the abuse of the innocent, the disrespect for life, the neglect of the poor and the lack of appreciation of the value of forgiveness and mercy – that, in the words of the Prophet we have become a people “ who live in a land of deep shadow”? (Is. 9:1).

Christmas is a time for all of us to step out of the shadow, to step into the light. It is a time of reappraisal of our personal, family and community value system in the light of the One who came as the Christ-Child of Bethlehem, of the One who, stepping into history and into our human condition brought us the Good News. Each Christmas is a renewal time. Each Christmas is the reliving of that event which changed human history. Each Christmas is an invitation to walk in the Light of Christ and to view our neighbours in that Light, with total respect for their dignity as Children of God.

As we stand in awe and wonderment at the reality of Christmas depicted so vividly in the Manger of the Crib, as you parents clasp, in love, the hand of your child at the Crib and recount, this Christmas, the greatest story ever told, the story of God’s great love expressed in the palpitating heart of an Infant Child, may His Peace heal your hurts, may His Love renew the fire of love for which your hearts crave and may we all together hear once again the Good News proclaimed by the Angel: “ Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today, in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord” (Jn. 1: 10-11).

May your Christmas this year be filled with joy, light and happiness and may the New Year which approaches be one of peace, harmony and love for all mankind.

+ John Magee.

Bishop of Cloyne.