Photo was taken yesterday at Col√°iste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co.Cork (Irl)

Jessica McInerney a 3rd year student in Col√°iste Choilm, holds up her beautiful Christmas cake tree, which was part of the Christmas baking display which took place yesterday. It is events such as this that really stand out in the build up to Christmas.

Thought on Wednesday – December – 11/12/2013

‘By reading the scriptures I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me. The skies seem to be a pure, a cooler blue, the trees a deeper green. The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet.’ ~Thomas Merton

The scripture readings that have been selected during Advent and Christmas are full of meaning and symbolism. While they were written many years ago they still bring with them a meaning and relevance to the complex world we live in. One of the lines from Psalm 88 used during Advent is “I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever”. The writer doesn’t have all the answers but is at least certain that God is love and making a real and lasting difference. Other scripture readings talk about darkness, turmoil, confusion, despair, fear, depression, loneliness, pain, abandonment and uncertainty. But from all of this emerges light, hope, peace, certainty, healing, comfort, energy, new beginnings, relevance and meaning. These scripture readings are not fairytales or make believe stories. They are real and relevant. They also remind us just how important Christmas is on our own spiritual journey.