Let the true spirit of Christmas inspire us to seek a better world

Christmas is almost upon us. At the First Christmas, Christ came to bring peace to the world; he came to conquer sin and to set man at peace with god. I hope and pray that your Christmas joy may be rooted in that peace.

The tragedy is that even as you read my letter, Irishmen are pursuing a course which is leading daily to their own destruction, and adding to the toll of death and injury of innocent persons.

The overwhelming majority of the people of this Island want no part in violence, of whatever tradition, so that they may, instead pursue their legitimate aspirations through the processes of democracy.

The best memorial to our dead and solace for our injured is to seek peace with justice. We must move towards mutual trust, understanding and tolerance of differing tradition and aspirations. Let us all try to make the effort to pray at Christmas for our country. Facing up to the problems that confront us challenges us in all sorts of ways.

It may involve a willingness to overcome religious prejudice, educational pride, social superiority, economic privilege, and all that isolates us from our neighbour.

The stable of Bethlehem asks questions of us. It offers us the answers. The Christmas spirit is a renewal of hope and courage, a rekindling of love and kindness, a reawakening of joy in God’s presence.

Cllr. Noel Collins

“St. Judes”

Midleton

Co. Cork