Christmas Message 2009
+ Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney
25 Dec 2009
Christmas should be a time of hope. This is not wishful thinking, much less any appeal to magic. It is not turning a blind eye to unpleasant facts; not a victory of mind over matter.
Hope springs eternal for those who are truly good and the birth of a baby always brings hope to family and friends.
The mystery of a new human life distracts us from our selfishness, from our pains, aches and grievances. The parents of a first born are often overwhelmed by the mystery of the event, especially the mother as she sees the promise of eternal life shine in the eyes of her child.
All this is true of Christ as Christmas and more, because the Christ child not only became a man to be admired, but a Saviour to be followed.
His teachings, like his birth, inspire hope because they require us to bring hope to others. As always God has no hands but ours.
A French poet wrote that it depends on us that the hope in the world does not lie, is not a deceit. He was thinking first of all of the obligations of adults toward children, but he was also remembering all those who are able of their obligations towards the unfortunate, to those who are unable.
Gift giving is an essential expression of Christmas, when we remember our family and friends. But the true spirit of Christmas urges us to give to those outside our first circle of love.
We thank God Australia has escaped the recession and has done better than most countries, but many individuals and families still struggle financially and others are alone or sick or unable to find inner peace. They need a hand.
The Christ child was like e very other baby; self-centred, demanding on his parents completely dependent on others.
He grew to be the man-God, the man for others, the God for others, who brought hope to sufferers through his service. He requires all of us to do out bit to bring hoper to friends and strangers, especially those who are down on their luck and especially at this Season of Christmas.
