DURING Christmas, the average American family spends about $1,500. It's quite a bit of money and I'd imagine that many families here would spend something similar.
And when I think about the birth of Jesus and his circumstances on that first Christmas, Jesus has a lot in common with those who are struggling this year who will find themselves in difficult circumstances. Many will be going without fuel, food and family.
Christmas is Christian. It commemorates the birth of Jesus, who was fully God and fully man. As Christians, we believe that God took on flesh, humbled himself and was born of a virgin for our salvation. That he lived in humble circumstances; he wasn't rich, he would have at times gone without.
The message of Christmas is one of hope, that Jesus loves us enough that he was willing to go without for us.
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In the same way, Christians at Christmas are called to give to those who don't have and cannot give.
May the hope of Christmas fill us with charity towards our neighbours and a newfound awe of Jesus.
Rev Iain McAleavey
Glendermott Parish
Diocese of Derry and Raphoe
