Bishop's Advent Pastoral Letter - 2011 |
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My dear people We are, from this weekend, embarking on the hope-filled seasons of Advent and Christmas. I am writing to invite you to discover again, the real meaning of the Incarnation - that our God has become one of us. The commercial world does not miss the importance of Christmas, at least from a business sense, and they begin to confront us early in November, if not sooner. Because of our busy lives, there is some danger that through the trappings and conventions of Christmas, we may not discover again, the deep personal meaning Christmas should have for us and our families. I would like to encourage you to take time out to prepare your crib and find some verses from Scripture to read and perhaps share together as a family. We like to have a Christmas tree and that is a reminder of gift giving, yet our most valued gift is our time, our love or our attention, offered to those close to us and perhaps to those we have neglected. In addition, our gifts to the St Vincent de Paul Society and other caring agencies will bring comfort to those in need. Christmas is a time to review our own life journey and through honest self-appraisal and, if possible, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, become more faithful to the call of the Lord. I wish you al a meaningful Advent and the empowering joy of knowing that God is always with us - our Emmanuel. Prayer is the key to finding God. Be sure to pray each day.
Yours sincerely +Brian Heenan
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