Chai Brady
Bishop Kevin Doran Jesus said that when we welcome the stranger we also welcome him, said the Bishop of Elphin in his Christmas message, and that this sends a message of “solidarity with refugees”.
The tradition of lighting a candle in the window on Christmas Eve is a way of saying that if the Holy Family were looking for ‘room at the inn’ they would be welcome said Bishop Kevin Doran, but that this year it could be a message connected to accepting refugee families.
“Jesus told us himself that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome him. It strikes me that, if we were to put a candle or a lamp in the window this year, it might not only be a sign of welcome for the Holy Family,” the bishop said.
“It could also be a symbol of welcome for and solidarity with refugee families. I think our children would understand the connection very easily.”
Difficult
He also acknowledged that Christmas can often be a “difficult and lonely time” for people who have lost family members.
He added: “For other families too, there will be an empty place at the table, because someone is in hospital, or overseas, in prison, or out of contact for whatever reason. If that empty place at the table makes you sad, it is a sure sign that the person you love is still held close in your heart.”
“Be sure that he or she is also held close in the heart of Jesus, who was born to give us hope.”
Bishop Doran admitted that he has experienced 65 Christmases, and although people often say Christmas is for children, he said “it has lost none of its magic for me”.