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Christmas Reflection

The Christmas story is very simple: it tells of a birth, the birth of a first child to poor parents with an uncertain future. So what is it about the story that holds such appeal, that has allowed so many other stories and traditions to grow up around it? Why does it have such a place in our hearts?

Perhaps it has to do with the way it taps into our deepest longings, those things we desire that can help us cope with just about anything: love and trust.

There is much generous love in the story, and with it a sense of wonder that God could be so intimately involved with something so simple. Shepherds are amazed, wise men are humbled and a young woman treasures all these things in her heart.

In the midst of the love we are all invited, just like the people in the story to trust that God is here and cares deeply as each of us deals with the joys and sorrows , the hopes and disappointments of everyday.

This story affirms that we all have a value and a unique dignity that lifts us up and empowers us to move beyond ourselves and to take the risk of reaching out to others, always trusting that God is present in the simple stuff.

Lord, As we celebrate another Christmas

Help us to live each moment gratefully

May we have the faith to trust in the gifts you have given us

May we have the hope that overcomes the dark thoughts that sometimes cloud our vision

May we have the love that makes our world a better place.

We make this prayer through Jesus our brother, born for us again in Bethlehem. Amen

- Taken from Le Chéile, A Catholic Schools Trust website