With a dark and troubled face

When hope is dead

And in the most unlikely place

Love is born

Love is always born   

^{(Michael Leunig)}

^{“The Journey of New Beginnings” - by Hunter, St Joseph’s Primary School, Molong - winner of the Bishop’s Award in the Diocese of Bathurst’s 2024 Christmas Story and Art Competition. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Bathurst}

This poem written by Michael Leunig captures something of the mystery of the birth of Christ celebrated at Christmas. The social reality of the time of Jesus’ birth was one of military occupation, and it was an environment of violence with little justice or compassion. This is seen in the decision of Herod to kill the first born and the resulting need for the Holy Family to seek asylum in Egypt. 

There are parallels with our global environment.  What is very different, though, is the ease with which we have all this darkness, trouble and hopelessness presented to us on a daily basis. Media giants thrive on doing this and we can experience hopelessness.  

To see, become aware of, and point to love being born takes a different sense of insight and awareness. The Christmas story describes how Mary and Joseph knew love was being born. The shepherds knew this, and the travellers from the East also knew. In a humble setting in Bethlehem, not in a place of power, in a feeding trough love was born. 

Love continues to be born in kindness, forgiveness, compassion, peace, and justice. These are among the signs of the continuing presence of Jesus in and around us. In small ways as we nurture the signs of the presence of Jesus, no matter how small they may be, love is born, and it grows. 

May you in this Christmas season, wherever you are, and in whatever circumstances you find yourself in, see and experience the ongoing birth of love.

Rev John Gilmore, President
National Council of Churches in Australia