Catholic Diocese of Broome

Everybody loves a story. Indeed our Christmas time is littered with good stories. Some of them are fanciful, fantastic and simply engaging. The red-nosed Rudolph and Santa Claus, the elves that help Santa, the ginger-bread men and a host of other ancillary characters are popular players in the story telling stakes that combine to wish us all greetings for the festive season.

Luke’s account of the birth time of Jesus, referred to as the Infancy Narratives, is based on a very well documented historical event and as stories go, it is, as they say, a ripping good yarn. It is filled with exciting images of singing angels and adoring shepherds, a nasty king and generous Wise Men, guiding stars that burn bright in the evening sky, a caring father and a devoted mother. The main setting is a stable; in fact the courtyard of a stable, where a manger serves as a cradle and the child is robed in plain, functional everyday cloth.

This is the beginning of the story of God’s entering into humanity so as to be one with his people, demonstrating his love for them and his unity with them. This is the first chapter of a life that will be lived out in the service of others; a life which will eventually lead to the supreme act of loving redemption poured out by Jesus the Christ in his suffering, death and resurrection, all for the benefit of the whole human race.

Efforts to trivialize the Christmas story and its importance are forever present and we ought to be on guard against any efforts to diminish its sacred beauty. The commercial world, especially in the West, pursues the market- place values they place on Christmas with great vigour. It is difficult for people to resist the temptation to be possessed by their possessions yet surely, if we are serious about our faith that is what we are called to do. For Jesus there was no room at the Inn but on the cross he found a spacious home!

This Christmas story, because it is true and mighty, must be told to children and adults alike. It is not the sort of news to be kept to ourselves. It is Good News for all humanity. Our beautiful Christmas liturgies, pageants and carol singing call us to worship and to a vital appreciation of the holy story. It is through prayer and the goodness of God that we are graced and filled with hope. Our family homes should be places where the Christmas message of faith will shine for us: Bed–time stories from a children’s bible, a joyful rosary remembering the birth of Our Lord, a suitable Grace before the family meal, a reading from scripture at the end of dinner, a determination in justice to share what we have with others, a commitment to be visible witnesses to Christ, a willingness to forgive others and to strive for perfect charity in our lives, a careful use of trappings and gifts – all of these are

measures which ensure that the sanctity of Christmas will be revered and prayerfully embraced by all.

May your family include in its story something made visible because of the true message of Christmas. I ask that God’s choicest blessings will accompany you and all you know and love this festive season.