Every December, as we reflect upon the past year while preparing to move into the next, a blend of hope and anticipation fills our hearts.
The holiday season isn’t just about festive revelry; it’s also a poignant reminder of the marvel of children—the excitement they feel and the wondrous ways in which they perceive the world.
It is not easy being a child in many parts of the world right now and the challenges they face weigh heavily on our minds. We deeply empathise with their plight in these uncertain times. The fragility of their childhood calls for our unified commitment to safeguarding and nurturing them. Embracing the child within us can yield profound insight, reminding us that every act of kindness contributes to shaping a brighter future for our children.
The Irish tradition where the youngest child places a candle in the window on Christmas Eve —“céad mile fáilte”— is about providing a beacon of hope for travellers passing in the night, who may not know when they will next find the solace of shelter or friendship. This ritual recognises that though our customs may differ from those of wayfaring strangers, kindness is universal, and universally necessary. These solitary flames beckon peace and harmony to return to this beautiful world, rekindling the hope for a more promising future.
May these days of deep darkness give way to brighter and more hopeful ones in the New Year!