This year has been very difficult with COVID-19 and has presented families with many challenges, for example, being unable to visit each other freely. As a family we always look forward to spending time together at Christmas however this year it will be restrained. We enjoy at Christmas celebrating many gifts like family, friends, presents, but we cannot forget that Jesus is the best present; a gift from a God who loves us unconditionally.
We have been blessed with four beautiful children, Caolan and Oisin who are now young adults, along with Karl and Ava, both still in the early years at Rosemount Primary School. We have enjoyed their Nativity shows throughout their years at school. Their Nativity shows demonstrate to our children, from a young age, that baby Jesus was born in a manger. Mary and Joseph had no choice but to stay in the stable with the animals on the night Jesus was born. This act of humility demonstrates the sacrifices that the Holy family made for us.
Jesus is a special gift for all us. In response to this gift, the Wise Men brought him gifts. We give gifts to one another to demonstrate our love. As a family we also receive the gift of Jesus at Christmas by making Jesus part of our lives. We open God’s present by getting to know Jesus better, through going to Chapel, taking part in the Christmas ceremonies and teaching our children to pray daily.
Christmas will feel different for us this year, but the gift of Jesus’ birth will always be as important as ever.
Stephen is married to Dympna. They have four children. He is a Reader and Eucharistic Minister at Saint Eugene’s Cathedral and is the proprietor of Alec Orr Motor Factors, Derry.
