Bishop Noel’s World Day of Peace Reflection
Christmas Message 2020 – Bishop Noel Treanor
“Christmas at Home”
Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” Matthew 1:20
On 8th December 2020, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter “With a Father’s Heart”[1], dedicating the year ahead under the patronage of St Joseph. The scriptures recall how, in the most difficult of personal circumstances, Joseph took Mary into his home, welcomed the Christ-child as his own and courageously became their guardian. In Joseph, Mary and Jesus witnessed the tender love of God.[2]
Christmas 2020 is a very different Christmas for everyone. Families and parishes across the world are not able to celebrate in the normal way. For some, this will be a Christmas celebrated at home. Sacrificing much in the pursuit of health and wellbeing, others will spend this Christmas in isolation, unable to join those they love. Like Mary and Joseph, exiled to protect the newly born Christ child, many have been compelled to change their plans at the last minute because of evolving circumstances.
And yet the light of the Christ-Child can still illuminate the hearts and hearths of all this Christmas bringing joy and hope.
This experience will certainly evoke… For full message Click here