Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The year draws to its climax with celebration of the Lord's Birth.

"Veiled in flesh the Godhead see."

God is among us in the Land of Palestine... as troubled then as it is now. God is not removed from the lives he has given us, but shares our troubles and joys. In simple terms.. God becomes man, so that we might become GOD. He loves us so much that no matter how messed up, fragile, ordinary or sinful we are, forgiven by his merciful love, He wants us to be with Him for ever!

Christmass reminds us of the generosity of God's immense love for us. Our creation and our need to guard and love our fragile world in all its beauty. All our lives rest in the love God shows us in the manger in Bethlehem. He shares in the mess we make in our lives, our problems, our struggles. His peace enters our wore-torn world.

Faith and the practice of our Christian life is NOT an extra to the rest of our lives. Our Lives, our families, our friends, sickness, health, struggles are in the manger with Christ. He holds EVERYTHING in his tiny hands, watched over with the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. Faith is the manger in which everything and everyone is placed. We must grow our Churches and our lives in the Manger!

A Blessed Holy and Happy Christmass to you and your family and friends. May the Prayers of Mary the Blessed Mother surround you. May St. Joseph be your Guardian. May the Christmass angels bring their message of peace to you and yours. May the Christ Child, Jesus our Saviour, Bless you now and into eternity, with his joy, peace and love.

Your friend and Parish Priest,

Fr Peter Needham SSC.