Founder’s Message: Christian Hope at Christmas | Fr Ken Barker MGL

On that first Christmas night, in the fields near Bethlehem, the night sky was aflame, and the shepherds heard the angels singing to God’s glory. One of the angels proclaimed, “I bring good news of great joy for all the people! today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!”. I was privileged to be in Bethlehem just before the hostilities began. We visited the Basilica of the Nativity, and Iined up to have the opportunity of reverencing the spot where we believe Jesus was laid in the manger by Mary and Joseph. 

Finally arriving at the shrine I was trembling with joy, and kneeling down I kissed the golden plate marking the spot. I made sure I had lots of pictures taken of this special moment. Because here at this place everything changed for humanity. 

Now it is possible for humanity to find genuine peace, Shalom in the Hebrew – meaning being reconciled with God, with others, and with one another. But how ironic that at this very place there is such enmity, hatred and division! 

But it's not a time to wring our hands and bemoan the lot of humanity failing to embrace the peace brought by Jesus. Rather it is a time to confidently, with great hope, rejoice in his saving love, and trust that “the good news of great joy” proclaimed by the angel can yet be received by all peoples as intended. 

That is our task; that is why we exist. I thank the Lord for this mission to proclaim God’s love which Jesus has given us. I thank the Lord for the goodness in all your hearts who in one way or another join the MGL in this great work. 

May the Lord bless you all, and all of your loved ones. Trusting the joy and peace of Christ will dwell in your hearts, and the love of God which is beyond all telling will abide within you always. 

Blessings to your all,

Fr Ken