Catholic Diocese of Broome

Christmas is the most appropriate time for us to make a special effort to pray for

peace – for ourselves, for our families, our neighbours, our community and the world in which we live. Even the corporate giants have an aura of goodwill about them at this time of the year. Their publicly displayed seasonal greetings confirm our hope that it is not merely a time to be jolly but, more to the point, that at this time of festivity, peace and goodwill to others have a better chance of rising above the prevailing social, economic and political gloom.

The wonder of Christmas is shown in the way it fills us with joy and goodwill – no matter the troubles that surround us, nor the worries which sometimes consume us. Nothing can separate us from the message of God’s generosity and love. Not war, not economic downturns, not hunger, not greed, not self-indulgence, not even the heartrending disasters we regularly hear and read about. This may well be the grace of God at work in us. We affirm that the good news of Jesus among us gives rise to a hope that surpasses all sadness and tragedy.

The child Jesus was born into the world for everyone – believers and non believers alike. He came as a gift – to be the instrument of God’s salvation. But, his presence in the world was also to lift up our spirits and to instil a new confidence in all peoples. The message of hope that he brought is announced for all those in need of love and respite from the terrible disappointments of life. Peace in our hearts and on our lips. Peace to be shared and proclaimed; this is the work of those who seek to do His will. Christians have an important part to play in this imperfect world. The love of Christ urges us on to be Christ to others, especially the poor and the marginalized. Many of our neighbours, near and afar, yearn for the gift of peace and hope which Christmas proclaims; those who are in prison, the asylum seekers who languish in detention centres, those who suffer the tragedies of war and violence, those who mourn loved ones lost in the calamities of natural disasters. Indeed, Christmas remains, even in faith-challenged times, as a shining light of hope in the darkness of despair. Our positive thoughts, our generous attitudes, our heartfelt prayers and our deliberate actions of good will for the benefit of others, lived out in Jesus’ name, will surely bring a lasting joy to our world.

And so we pray:

Father in Heaven,
may we be filled with love for you and for all those you have created.
Enable us to hear the joyful message of your son Jesus who dwelt in our midst.
Empower each of us to be a person of positive action and words
in a sometimes cynical world.
Let justice and compassion flow from us as it does from Jesus, our Christ and Saviour.
May mercy be ever on our minds, and forgiveness ever in our hearts.
Strengthen our faith and may we never wander far from your infinite grace, O God.

May God’s choicest blessings be with you and your families this Christmas and in the year ahead.