Christmas is almost upon us. And we are busy and perhaps preoccupied with all the preparations. The ‘to do list’ is almost complete. When we eventually do find ourselves standing before the crib, perhaps in the Church, it may be a good time to pause in silence, to rest with God, and to listen to what he might have to say to us. In that silent place, of each human heart. There, we find the simplicity of Jesus, the Son of God, wrapped in swaddling clothes, cradled in the watchful and loving gaze of Mary and Joseph.
Amid the busyness of life; its worries and stresses, in that moment of stillness, may we know, feel and experience how we too are wrapped in the love of Mary and Joseph.
The Nativity scene at Christmas is a call to simplicity. It is the realisation that what really matters in life is: human kindness, being mindful of each other, offering that helping hand. Striving to be Christ-like, of being inspired by the example of the Holy Family. In them, we find the first community of faith, and so today we carry that light of faith and hope. A light to guide, bless and sustain each and every family of our three Parishes.
May we know that divine peace, that holy right of Christmas. God’s gift we pray to each one of us. Christmas can be a time when we count our blessings. And so a word of gratitude. To our faithful and dedicated Parish staff, to the hundreds of volunteers who are the back bone of our Parishes, and to you the Parishioners of Naas, Sallins and Two Mile House, thank you for your kindness, encouragement and for your wonderful support and generosity. It is deeply appreciated. Have a happy, holy and peaceful Christmas.
Michael, Alex, Seán, Hilda, Fergal and Liam