He whakaaro mo te wā o te Kirihimete

Christmas arrives this year under a shadow of the conflict and unrest around the world, combined with the uncertainty we face with the environmental crisis and the inability of the world's leaders to work together to find an effective way forward. I’ve heard lots of people say finding the holiday spirit in light of these circumstances feels challenging.

Over these last months, we have witnessed an eruption of violence and death through our screens, exposing an enduring corruption underpinning our global politics, leaving many of us feeling shocked, angered, grieving and helpless. 

People find themselves bereft of the spiritual resources necessary for the strength and direction to move ourselves out of this mess.

Christmas is a very special time for me. Of course you would expect that; I'm a Catholic and a former priest. But it can be a struggle to find the Christmas message under the weight of the world.

I think of the greeting of the angels in the Christmas story; we hear their words on the marae so often, and sing them in some of the cherished old Christmas carols: 

"Kororia ki te Atua I runga rawa, kia mau te rongo ki runga ki te whenua, me to whakairo pai ki ngā tangata" - "Glory to God on high, and peace on earth to people of goodwill".

Jesus came to bring peace to the world, not just to his own people but to everyone of good will. His mission was to teach us how to love, and to forgive, no matter how great the hurt, how great the differences that divide.

That message seems to be lost. For many today Christianity is often remembered for the terrible things that were done in the name of this religion, not for the original teachings that Jesus brought. His teachings remind me that to be able to move forward we need to put our hurts behind us and embrace peace, not just for people like ourselves, but for everybody on this planet, no matter race, culture, nationality or religion.

And we can only do that if we learn how to forgive, no matter how deep the hurt. We will bring peace to the world by embracing forgiveness, not by seeking to reinstate the balance of power. 

Love and forgiveness will heal us, this is something that is not specific to any culture or religion, it’s something that is universal, and is the key to bringing everybody together in a way that respects the specialness of each and all.

Let’s celebrate the highpoint of raumati, summer each in our own way, a time to connect, to rest, catch our breath, to reflect, and really imagine what qualities we want to bring to our lives and the people around us.

May this message of peace, love and hope open your hearts to the possibility of a more beautiful world.

Meri Kirihimete me ngā manaakitanga mō te tau hou Pākehā,

Pā