A Christmas Message from Fr. John

A Christmas Message from Fr. John

The season of Christmas is a time that holds a lot of emotions for us.

• For some it’s a time of great joy as we recall and remember happy days of our childhood.
• For some it’s the anticipation of meeting family and friends we have not seen in a long time.
• For children it’s the expectation of what Santa might bring.
• For many it’s the sadness of the empty chair, sometimes because of a family death, sometimes because of distance and sometimes because of an issue within the family.
• For many in this community they will miss the presence of a husband or wife, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, who are working overseas with the defence forces.

One thing we all have in common at Christmas is the reality of celebrating the Birth of Christ. 2023 has been a strange year, as the cost of living continued to rise, as wars and conflict around the world began to affect us all. It has been a year when our faith has been challenged, when hope seemed impossible, and joy was in short supply.

In a few short days we will remember and celebrate the Birth of Christ. A child that came to bring us a message from God, GOD LOVES US, NOT JUST SOME OF US, ALL OF US. With this message he invites us to explore our faith, discover our hope and find the Joy that only he can give.

On Christmas eve night at 9pm I invite you to join me in person or on line as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and invite him into our hearts and homes as we pray for peace and unity in our world.

Thanking you all for your kindness, support, and prayers in 2023.

I wish you the Peace of this very Holy Season, may we all be blessed with, Faith, Hope and Joy.

Fr. John