Reflection

Each Christmas we recall that Jesus came to be a human baby at Bethlehem. It is a source of joy and hope to us as Christians, for He came to save us from our sins…encouraged us to call God our Father, and lead us into the way of truth and justice!

The scene at Bethlehem on our Christmas cards seems tidy, cosy and warm. In reality, on a cold night, a pregnant Mary accompanied by Joseph were homeless, desperate and alone. The first shelter for the Son of God was a derelict barn, and their second home would have been as a migrant family in Egypt.

Their first visitors, the first callers on the new Messiah were poor shepherds from the hill country! Note that they were not ‘being counted’ by the Roman authorities. They were poorly paid, migrant workers who did not fit on the list – people did not give them a second thought that night!

This 2008 Christmas – we welcome Jesus into our hearts and minds.

And as we recall his wonderful arrival on our earth – we ask "who are we pushing to the margins of society today in 2008/2009.

Please pray for the new accommodation and resettlement work the Brothers are starting this month in Central London for the homeless migrants on the streets of London.

Prayers:-

Christ, for you there was no room at the inn;

You were taken as a refugee into Egypt, a stranger in a foreign land.

I remember before you this Christmas, all who are homeless, all refugees and wandering people.

May we remember that in sharing with them we reach out to YOU. Christ our Lord. Amen

O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:

Mercifully grant that we, who know you by faith, may at the last behold your glory face to face.

(Collect for Epiphany from the book of Common prayer)

 

Bless all our friends and families this 2008 Christmas.

Bless the work of the Hospitaller family in Central London this Christmas.

Br Michael Newman OH.             19th December 2008  

 

 

 

 

Today, we invoke God’s blessing on the work of Saint John of God that continues today in 54 countries and in each Continent. We remember and pray for those who feel left out and at the side of the road of life! We pray for those who are lonely, lost and feel down and out.
 
 
May God grant that we may:
  • be thoughtful in speaking;
  • be gentle in our ways;
  • be cherishing of life;
  • be fruitful in our actions;
  • be companionable in our journeying;
  • be merciful in our judgements;
  • be simple in our lifestyle.
 God watch over and protect us all.
 
Saint John of God, a modern Good Samaritan pray for us today and always.