WelCom December 2024/January 2025
Bishop John Adams, Catholic Bishop of Palmerston North
A new year has begun in the Church, and very soon the great festival of Christmas will be upon us. Once again, we will be invited into the great mystery of God’s love for us. A ‘love’, as St Augustine reminded us – whose quality makes us feel ‘as if we were the only one…’.
The reception of Mary and Joseph upon their arrival into Bethlehem has become the reality for so many in our world. But like them, we are invited not to yield to the mistrust, the suspicion, the discouragement of the world. No, in the dark and stillness of the stable in Bethlehem there is another way presented to us – a way of hope – the way of peace. In a world that suggests intolerance and conflict can only be remedied with greater amounts of the same, the star of Bethlehem illumines another path.
Yes, the poverty of that little babe in our manger on Christmas night invites us to hope in something as radical as it is profound. That this little baby, our Saviour, the little baby Mary caresses and keeps warm, is the answer to our deepest longings.
Let’s not simply sentimentalise the Christmas story. How about we decide something this Christmas? That like countless Catholic Christians who have gone before us, we might become performers rather than spectators of the Christmas mystery. That the birth of Jesus might bring to life something inside of us which makes us credible and visible witnesses to peace and love in the world.
Unto us a child is born – unto us a son is given. The Christmas mystery is soon to be renewed. The child born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago was also born for the women and men of our time. Consider the invitation contained in this truth – and pray for the grace to respond.
Best wishes to you all.
+ John