The birth of Jesus which we celebrate at Christmas was the start of, maybe, the final chapter of a wonderful story about love. From the creation of the world and every living creature upon it, to the ups and downs of the Chosen People, and through every conceivable moment of joy and strife, God remained steadfast in his love for the human race.

The expression of that love reached its peak in the gift of God-in-human-form in the birth of the baby Jesus; God’s love was expressed through his willingness to identify totally with the human race, and lead it to the joy of salvation and eternal life. That divine love was expressed in the simple human love which exists between a mother and her child; simple and amazingly powerful.

The Bethlehem Birth of Jesus was accompanied by the giving of gifts—a space in the stable, a lamb, gold, frankincense, and myrrh, protection, adoration….and, of course, love.

Our Christmas celebrations this year will, hopefully, include family members whom we love (in all sorts of ways!), a great deal of festivity, the giving of gifts, and the sharing of love.

Christmas love, which Jesus exemplifies and which we share with our families, may well be the fuse or catalyst to cause us to remember and express love towards those around the world who cannot celebrate at this time. We remember, pray for, visit and care for, or give generously to the bereaved, the homeless and hungry, those who live in war–torn lands, those affected by natural disasters. In those actions we will continue to write the chapter of God’s love for all people. There’s no greater gift than love, so let’s share ours as generously as God shared his.

A very Happy Christmas to you all.