Christmas – A Time of Joy!

Last week I was in Melbourne on school business with Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). I arrived into the craziness of ‘Black Friday Sales’ that were being heavily promoted in the lead up to Christmas. While product sales and discount signs were common in all shopfronts, I was particularly alarmed by the advertising slogan boldly displayed by one large store - “Let them know it’s Christmas - spoil them rotten!” You can only imagine my reaction!

Increasingly we are being bombarded with media driven messages that may be reducing the celebration of the Jesus’ birth to a plain and ordinary event. With the season of Christmas being portrayed as a time characterised by urgency and indulgence, we must remind ourselves to listen out for the simple and beautiful message of Christmas and the joy of this Lenten season.

The often frantic and overly commercialised picture of Christmas is in stark contrast to the very first Christmas day. Christ was born into the most modest of surroundings. His birth and subsequent mission on earth was to bring us into a closer relationship with God and with each other. The absolute lack of ceremony associated with the humble surrounds of his birth in a humble stable should serve as a real reminder that Christmas is meant to be a simple and joy filled occasion. A time to spend relaxing and quality time with family and friends, to renew important relationships, and to truly appreciate the important place of people in our lives and the important place of God in our lives.

As Christian people, it is essential that we do not allow the power and simplicity of the Christmas message to become lost in the frenetic pace of this holiday period and, in doing so, further distance ourselves from renewing important relationships. In reflecting on the humble nature of His birth, we are challenged not to pass up those opportunities to meaningfully connect with those we care for. What a great gift at Christmas and cause for true celebration.

This sentiment was wonderfully captured by Irish Bishop, Liam McDaid in his reflection on Christmas. It is a timely message and a wonderful challenge for us all as we enjoy this holiday period.

“Leave aside the cards, the presents and the extras for a few days and instead talk and listen to the one whose birth we are planning to celebrate. He has things to say to us that could change our perspective and lessen our worries as we count our blessings. Christ could show us how celebrating the simpler, long-lasting and more precious gifts of life and living can make for a different but ultimately more satisfying experience of Christmas joy and togetherness.”

On behalf of all staff at Trinity College, I would like to wish all of the students, families and staff within our community a happy and holy Christmas. I hope that you get the opportunity to share the real message of Christmas – that it is a time of simple joy and an opportunity for reflection and relationship building. We pray that the gentle humility with which Jesus came into the world will serve as an example and inspiration for all people. May His peace and love characterise your festive season.

As is always the case at the end of the school year, we have a number of students and staff who will be leaving our College community in order to follow different pathways. To those who are leaving us, you do so with our best wishes and many blessings. Good luck into next year and we trust that some of the TC Spirit goes with you.

Finally, I extend my prayers and wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas as we look forward to a wonderful 2024. Once again, our academic year will commence early next year with the first day for all students (Year 4-12) scheduled for Monday, 29 January 2024. Further details will be communicated early next year.

I hope that everyone is able to enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday break. God Bless!

Live Jesus in our hearts.

Mr. Darren O’Neill

Principal

Community News

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