麻豆约拍

Good morning.聽 In my childhood home, Christmas Day had its clear routines and its unique excitement. We went to Church, of course we did! We opened presents in a frenzy of excitement and wrapping paper. We opened our door to all the colourful family circle. And we placed the figure of the infant Jesus into our crib. He is born today! Rejoice and be glad!

I have to admit today, with a little regret, that on Christmas Day my mother did most of the work. It was in part because she wanted us all to be surprised by what was in store, but also because we were engrossed in so much else. Her name was Mary, and she made this Day full of graciousness, welcome and generosity.聽 That's what mothers do. Not only mothers, of course, but so much that mothers do for their families has something special about it. They give tangible reality to the love that lies at the heart of creation, the love which is God, which holds all things in being.聽 The rhythm of every day, of food, rest and play, watched over by a loving parent, no matter its simplicity, is a parable of that great truth.聽 In the eyes of faith this is the work of God, achieved through loving hands and hearts, even if often they are pushed to their limit!

Lord God, as we greet your Son made flesh, your love in our midst, we thank you for all mothers, and for all who parent children. May their selfless love be sustained throughout this day of celebration so that its true meaning may linger long in our hearts, reverberating round our family circle and reaching out to the forlorn and the lonely.

A happy Christmas to you all!