An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2023 www.military.ie/magazine 8 | A Chairde, It is truly an honour and a joy to be offered this opportunity to extend greetings to the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann and to your families and loved ones, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas 2023. The message of that first Christmas night comes to us down through the years and is as relevant today as it ever was. "Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing: Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace to all who enjoy his favour." The Christmas message is for all people. It is the story of a family; but of a family in very distressed circumstances. Mary and Joseph found no room at the inn; they had to make do in a stable, and the new-born Jesus had to be laid in a manger. This family had been shut out. Perhaps it was because of this of this early experience that, throughout his ministry, Jesus of Nazareth reached out and made friends with people whom others ignored or despised. Thus reminding us that everyone in this world is a brother and sister with an innate right to be treated with dignity and respect. With the birth of a child, as you know, there is a new dawn with endless potential. And so it is with the birth of Jesus. Through his teaching and by his example, Christ would show the world how small steps, taken in faith and in hope, can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony, understanding, transformation and growth. The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy. But small steps can make a world of difference. It's worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, which bring about the most lasting change. At Christmas we are also reminded that it is the time of peace and goodwill towards all. Yet we are only too well aware of the tragic fighting, hatred and ill-will in so many parts of the world from Ukraine to the Holy Land. "Peace on Earth" – we may not have it now, we may never have it completely, but we will certainly achieve nothing unless we strive to remove the causes of conflict between peoples and nations. To our 'Peacekeepers' our friends and colleagues deployed overseas in the cause of peace. May the prince of peace watch over you and protect you and keep you safe and reward you and your families for your sacrifice and service. I am particularly mindful this Christmas of all who have died during the past year and we especially pray that the souls of our deceased personnel (serving and retired), especially those who died during the past year, may they Rest in Peace. To the families of those who have died, we keep you in our thoughts and prayers. On behalf of the Chaplaincy Service, I wish everyone in Óglaigh na hÉireann, serving and retired, and your families a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and every blessing for a brighter 2024! The light of the Christmas star to you. The warmth of home and hearth to you. The cheer and good will of friends to you. The love of the son and God's peace to you. Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Síochán san AthBhliain! An tAthair Paschal ÓhAnnracháin HEAD CHAPLAIN FR PASCHAL HANRAHAN Christmas Message

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