Wednesday, December 25, 2013

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Last night, myself and friends went for our midnight walk in Glendalough.
The purpose was simply to prepare ourselves for Christmas; to gain an awareness of the coming of the
Infant Child.
The evening was cold, yet it was a beautiful night with the sky speckled with stars.
I walked as best I could, up past the waterfall and then we stopped at the seat over-looking the
Upper Lake.
All was still, with lights from distant houses adding a mystery to the darkness.
We began the journey back to the car, reciting the Rosary and then paused in silence as we stopped at the Lake-side and listened to the sounds and marveled at the star-filled sky.
The cold of the evening only added to the delight we felt as we reached our destination.
Christmas is a time for Peace and Good Will. 
How wonderful it is to have the image of the Christ-Child coming to us in such a simple and vulnerable way.
At times we need to contemplate this amazing Mystery of the birth of the Infant Child.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

POVERTY and RICHES

Coming up to Christmas is a reminder of Poverty and Riches.
There is a hunger for material goods and comfort and such like.
This is good as we are meant to look out for one another and share as best we can the riches we possess.
Yet, there is more, much more to focus on at this Holy Season.
We are faced with the Truth of God, who is the Creator of the Universe, becoming a pauper.
In the Person of Christ, we have the story of Christmas, where the Christ-Child comes into this world of ours, poor and vulnerable; a new-born babe.
His holy mother, Mary and St. Joseph find themselves homeless. They is no room for them anywhere.
Someone takes pity on them and they are guided to a stable where they at least have shelter.The animals there provide some form of warmth from the cold.
Here, the Christ-Child is born and laid in a manger filled with straw.
We have the story of an Angel appearing to shepherds and directing them to where the Christ-Child lay. 
Was food provided for Mother and Child?  No doubt human kindness stepped in.
What a wonderful, splendid night!


Poverty is presented to us, cloaked in Riches beyond our imagination.. 
.

Friday, December 13, 2013

The Season of Good Will

Now that Christmas is just around the corner, it's good to reflect on what is needed to enter into the Spirit of Christmas.
This is a Season of Good Will where we aim to show our interest and love for one another.
We send gifts and we show we care by sharing ourselves, our company and friendship.

God knows we care, yet often our interest and compassion for each other is buried under a mountain of worries and cares that keep us tied down, unable to move forward.
That's why this Season of Good Will helps us to surmount our difficulties and reach out to each other with love and gratitude for this great Love that God shows us, becoming a little Child.
This is our chance to show our love for this wonderful Christ Child!