Reflection

The Work of Christmas Begins

When the carols have been stilled,

When the star-topped tree is taken down,

When family and friends are gone home,

When we are back to our schedules

The work of Christmas begins:

~To welcome the refugee~

~To heal a broken planet~

~To feed the hungry~

~To build bridges of trust, not walls of fear~

~To share our gifts~

~To seek justice and peace for all~

~ To bring Christ’s light to the world~

As the dawn breaks on a New Year,

we give thanks for all we hold dear: health, family, friends.

Let us release grudges, anger and pain - these are binding chains.

Let us live each day in the most loving God-conscious way.

Let us serve all in need, regardless of race, colour or creed.

Let us keep God in our hearts and lead the world from darkness to light,

from falsehood to truth, from wrong to right.

Let us remember we are one, embracing all, discriminating against none.

May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love.

May God's blessings shower upon youbestowing a bright, healthy, peaceful new year.

May we, your Holy People, walk forward together side by side.

Amen 

Source: Jesuit Resource online authors (adapted): Rev Marcy Sheremetta; Michael Dougherty, a variation on Howard Thurman's 'When the Song of the Angels is stilled'; Sister Mary Ann Barret OP