“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.” ~ Saint Mother Teresa 

Last Saturday was the shortest day of the year and is the winter solstice. As light is so scarce at this time of year we are naturally drawn to light. The Christmas tree in our homes always gives us a lift with their display of light. Candles also add a lovely touch. We often talk about Jesus as that special light born into our world to make a difference. This difference is not just some days but every single day.

I was watching an interesting documentary on the Christmas tree and the crib at Saint Peter’s Square in Rome. The tradition of donating a tree to the Vatican began back in 1982 under the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. The Christmas tree is a symbol of generosity, hope and community. Each year, a different area, province or country donates the tree. This Christmas, the tree comes from the Valle di Ledro in the Trentino region of Northern Italy. It is no ordinary tree. It is 29 meters tall, weighing approximately 5 tons and was chosen for its grandeur and beauty.

The crib each year in the Vatican is also different. The crib figures represent a different part of the world. It is of course the same beautiful story being recreated but every crib in every church is uniquely different. There will never be any two the same. It is the same with all our stories. All our stories are different but it is the same loving God who holds all our stories together.

This is the Christmas message. Everyone needs light, hope, meaning, connection, support and love in our lives. It is our heartfelt belief that Jesus born in a stable, is a guarantee that these blessings can be ours too. Just as there are so many different Christmas Cribs, is also a recognition of our own unique story. But it is Jesus who brings meaning to our story, makes it personal, makes the connection and gives us hope in a sometimes hopeless world.