The 2022 Christmas Message for the Diocese of Kerry from Bishop Ray Browne…
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish
but may have eternal life”. Jn 3:16
Dia dhiabh. Nollaig Shona dhiabh go léir. Christmas is a time when we look back on the year that is passing.
We give thanks to God for all that has happened in our lives and we are grateful for all the people who have been good to us. Whatever challenges lie ahead we face them with confidence putting our trust in God, everything will work out, ‘Le Cúnamh Dé’.
Continued below…
Thank you to all in all our parishes who have worked together to ensure that all parish life has recommenced after Covid: The Sacraments, prayer and handing on the faith; the social life of every community; care and support to situations where there is need.
Thank you to our priests, deacons, parish secretaries, sacristans, choirs and so many others. Thank God for all local volunteers.
This Christmas remember a prayer for situations of need both local and global. I think of people among us who are ill, greatly troubled or bereaved.
I think of the many couples and individuals in our parishes who have tried everything and still cannot secure a place to make their home. I think of the urgency of peace where there is war and for all nations to unite to face the challenge of global warming.
The Christmas lights in town, a great outdoor Christmas tree, or simply observing the wide-eyed wonder of a little child looking at Santa, warmly touches our hearts each Christmas. For me very special moments occur at the crib in church.
The crib is a tribute to the Christmas story and to the creative, artistic and craft skills of a parish team assembled each year to ‘do the crib’. It is special just to watch people of all ages come to the crib and pause for a while!
The Cathedral crib here in Killarney is a must visit for families from far and near each year. There are all the usual elements: the Holy family and the shepherds; the cow, the donkey, and the sheep; the stables, the manger and the straw. Additional elements vary: trees, flowers and a fawn; a pond with some ducks; doves or a robin; and the lights of Bethlehem in the background.
The focal point is the new-born baby Jesus. Mary is gazing down at herchild bringing our focus to the child. Why is a baby born in a stable so important? We ponder the mystery, “He shall be called Emmanuel” a name which means ‘God-is-with-us’. Mt 1:23
Put the crib scene, the birth of Jesus, at the centre of your Christmas. Let it remind you that God ‘so loves the world’, and that all of us have so much to be grateful for. Let God’s goodness to us inspire our goodness to others.
Le gach dea-ghuí, í gcomhair na Nollag. Every Christmas blessing on all in our communities.
+ Ray Browne
Diocese of Kerry
Christmas 2022.
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