Discerning the signs of the times and following the hope-filled guidance of a star, the wise men journeyed to Bethlehem where they found the child Jesus lying in a manger. Contemplating the face of the incarnate God-child, they recognised God’s promise embodied in Emmanuel, God-with-us. Their meeting with Jesus compelled the wise men to navigate and follow a different path, to return home via an alternative route because this encounter changed and transformed them. It seems that they received from God a new vision, a new mission which was different to Herod’s destructive plan.

Like the wise men, in the new-born Christ, we have been offered a new and unique way of looking at the world. God calls us in Baptism to be his messengers of hope, especially to those who face disillusionment and despair. (Lk. 4:18-19). The Christian faith is the religion of hope.

May the blessing of this Christmas Season bring hope and joy into your hearts and homes. In the words of St Paul, may God “who helps us when we refuse to give up, help you all to be tolerant with each other, following the example of Christ Jesus.” (Rom 15.4-5)