Diocesan Newsletter—Issue 3
"The Christmas Prayer"
Robert Louis Stevenson
Diocesan Newsletter—Issue 3
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come
with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the
blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with open and joyful hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be your children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus'
sake. Amen.
Christmas is about big hearts, generous giving, joy and peace…Year
after year it continues to bring the very best out of us. Groups of
students from our schools
undertake twenty four hour fasts to
raise money to provide services for the homeless and needy. In the
run up to Christmas a whole range of charities get busy collecting
money and gifts so that they can make Christmas happier for the
less well off. Parents make great sacrifices so that their children
may really enjoy this festive season. Residents of nursing homes
benefit from the musical and singing
talents of choirs and
entertainers who gladly give of their time to make sure Christmas is a time of
celebration for as many as possible. In these and in many
other ways the true meaning
of Christmas is kept alive. When all is said and done, the spirit of generous giving begins
with God and those who have met this generous God can afford to be generous.
God’s great gift to us is that of his Son. The birth of child is a time for wonder and great
celebration, it’s a time to give thanks. At Christmas Jesus comes to us above all with his
gift of peace. When you think about it, that peace is the gift we need most, and need to
pray for. Peace with ourselves, peace in our families, peace in our country and world,
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peace with God, eternal peace for those who are no longer with us for Christmas, this is
the greatest gift we can receive and the greatest gift we can give. We gather at Mass as
families this Christmas to say thanks to Jesus, the prince of peace. If we want Christmas
to last through the year then we will gather every Sunday to express our thanks and pray
that the Lord may continue to bless us with his peace. Besides, our Sunday Mass will help
us to remember our journey, as we continue on our path towards eternal peace with all of
God’s family. I wish you a truly blessed Christmas, + Martin Drennan
It’s the thought that counts…
One week before Christmas, a well-known visitor made a
Look for gifts that support a local charity or community cause that matters to you.
and was preparing for bed when a noise startled me. I
You might like to make your own gifts, whether it's cookies, mince pies or a
To my amazement, Santa Claus stepped from behind the
surprise appearance… I had just finished the household chores
cautiously
opened
the
door
to
the
front
room.
Christmas tree ornament. Focus on the meaning of the gift, not an impressive price
Christmas tree! He placed one finger over his mouth so I would
tag.
realized that Santa had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly was
Give the Gift of ’you’ this Christmas...
Santa
gone. The eager, boisterous soul we all know was quite sad.
Serve or prepare meals at a soup kitchen e.g. Twist Café on the Docks......Visit an
elderly or isolated person in your local community ….Send a Christmas card to
someone you have not seen nor spoken to in years... Have a clear out and donate
clothing, shoes, blankets, and other items to a charity. Invite a friend or neighbour
who will be alone to share in your Christmas celebration….If your loved one is far
away, plan that special call….
Give thanks...
As we make our own individual journey
not cry out. “What are you doing here?” I exclaimed. Then I
offered
these
simple
words,
“TEACH THE CHILDREN!”
I was puzzled—what did he mean? Anticipating my question, with one quick movement he brought forth a great
bag from behind the tree. I stood there, bewildered. Santa explained, “Teach the children! Teach them the old
meaning of Christmas. So many people today have forgotten what Christmas is really about!”
Santa then reached into his bag, pulled out a tiny FIR TREE, and placed it on the mantle. “Teach the children
that the stately fir tree remains green all year round, showing the everlasting hope of mankind. The needles point
heavenward,
making it a symbol of our prayers that always reach God.”
Santa again reached into his sack and pulled out a brilliant STAR. “Teach the children that the Bethlehem star
was the sign of promises long ago. God promised to send a Saviour to deliver the world. The bright star pointed to
How to
towards Christmas, let us give
the fulfillment of that promise—God’s only Son had been born!”
Next, Santa pulled a CANDLE from his bag. “Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Jesus, God’s
Son, is the light of the world. When we see this light, we remember the One who overcomes the darkness.”
Once again Santa reached into his sack. This time he removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. “Teach the
children that the wreath reveals the endless nature of God’s love. Real love never ceases. Nothing can stop God’s
amazing love.”
“thanks” to God, to our families,
Santa then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. “Teach the children that Santa Claus symbolizes the
friends, co-workers, and all those we
children that Saint Nicolas was not part of the first Christmas in Bethlehem.”
encounter daily.
Forgive...
Jesus forgave our sins, and we too, are called to forgive. Prayerfully consider who
and how to forgive, whether it's a person you need to ask for forgiveness, or a
private moment between you and God.
Attend a Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day Service
generosity and good will we show to others because God has given us His very special Son. Don’t forget to tell the
Santa then reached into his sack and carefully placed a CANDY CANE on the tree. “Teach the children that the
candy cane represents the shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff rescues sheep who have strayed from the
flock. God never gives up on people who wander from Him.”
Next, He removed a delicate ANGEL and lifted it to the very top of the tree. “Teach the children that angels
shouted the glorious news of the Saviour’s birth. These heavenly messengers sang ‘Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good will to everyone on earth!’”
Finally, Santa pulled out a beautifully wrapped GIFT. He said, “Teach the children that God deeply loves people,
so He gave them His most precious gift—Jesus, His only Son. When the wise men arrived in Bethlehem, they
bowed before the Child and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This is why we give gifts to others
each Christmas.” Then Santa paused. He stared at the tree and seemed to be pleased. I saw that the twinkle had
returned to his eyes. He slowly turned, looked at me, and smiled. Santa offered these final words,
With family obligations, everyone can be working to their own schedules, but make
your church visit a family affair, so that before Christmas dinner, you've had time
as a family to worship, reflect and give thanks.
“Remember to teach the children the true meaning of Christmas.
Jesus Christ is the real reason for the Christmas season. I am glad to join all
others who bow down and worship Him, our Lord and God.”