Catholic Diocese of Broome

If there was a common theme surrounding the recent US elections it was that of ‘change’. Each candidate who promised ‘change’ spoke of it with great vigour and heralded ‘change’ as a goal to be pursued without hesitation as though change is so terribly foreign to us.

The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said that “nothing endures except change’. Change is the only constant in life. However, you may note, often the most difficult thing to change is oneself and doubtless, it is precisely we ourselves who are in most need of change. Leo Tolstoy put it succinctly when he said: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

Part of the wonder of Christmas is that the entire event is about change for the world and at the same time about change for ourselves personally. Most remarkably it is the sort of change that is liberating and lasting, way beyond the vicissitudes of politics and the everyday pitfalls of the human condition.

The Infancy narratives inform us that the birth of the Saviour-child brought about change that caused memorable signs in the skies and was foretold by those who read the ancient Scriptures with expectation and deep insight. Palestine was ready for some monumental moment, some cataclysmic event that was to reorder society and change the destiny of people everywhere. What those who waited did not know was that this change-event would be played out in simplicity and in an atmosphere of dire poverty, in the barn of a remote inn in tiny Bethlehem, then lived out in relative obscurity in Galilee and finally brought to fruition in Jerusalem thirty-three years later at the Passover time.

Christmas is a delightful moment which every year beckons us to have a fresh look at ourselves and contemplate the possibility of change for the better. This happens because we engage with more than just a moment. Rather we connect through Scripture, prayer, devotion and liturgy with the person of Jesus the Christ, ‘who calls us out of darkness into his own wonderful light’. The discovery of this light of love in our lives hastens changes in us. And it is through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ that we connect also with each other.

The Jesus we find first at His birth is vulnerable and peace-giving, obviously prepared to be embraced by us. This clearly is a moment of serene beauty which we are invited to share. In prayerful humility we ask - do I reflect this beauty in the way I live? Will I strive to be a picture of peace and justice in our world? And am I prepared to be part of God’s masterpiece, contributing in a manner which ultimately makes a world of difference?

Each Christmas brings a gift of Grace to us all – communally, singularly. In faith let us welcome the measure of change that God, who never changes, has in mind for us. May His choicest blessings be with you and your family this Christmas.