Dear friends in Christ

The second half of Advent introduces us into the joy of the Incarnation. The birth of Jesus into our world is the source of all joy and happiness. Even if throughout most of this year we have experienced trials, heaviness of heart and anxiety, the coming of Jesus at Christmas is a moment to reflect on how God wants to reassure us that He is close. Happiness is the hallmark of a Christian. Ours however, is not just any kind of happiness, it is the conviction that our Saviour has come amongst us and that, despite all the worries and uncertainties we face, we have a foundation in Faith that is not transitory or illusory. To have the certainty that God is our Father and He has given us His Son to light-up our way on earth, is the heart of the Christian life. It is not difficult to imagine the joy of Joseph and Mary in these days of Advent, radiant with joy as they awaited His birth.

This Christmas will inevitably—like Easter—be like none other we have experienced. The restrictions that have been placed on our freedoms will feel debilitating and frustrating. However, this gives us the opportunity to focus on what is most central and essential at this time. The reduction in the amount of time that we can spend socialising might help us to spend more time in contemplation of the Incarnation, the Word becoming flesh. Please remember to book for all Masses, and especially the Christmas Mass, online. We have to be very strict about this in order to ensure that proper distancing is observed and that the church is Covid-safe for everyone. If you find that the Masses are all booked-up for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, then remember that we have been given the dispensation by our Bishops to celebrate our Christmas Mass on any day during Christmas week. All of this makes us joyful for what we have, never to take it for granted, and look forward to future celebrations of the mysteries of our Faith.

God bless you and your families!

Msgr Kevin Hale