PRESIDENT Mary Robinson on the day of her inauguration to the high office she has performed with excellence, mentioned her plan to have a light continually shining "There will always be a light on in Aras an Uachtarain for our exiles and our emigrants". The lovely idea has been widely appreciated it is seen as a binding link of love. ,"Many think of the old custom of a light in the window.
At Christmas, when greetings and meetings of kinsfolk are much in evidence, we are united in prayers for peace in the island of Ireland. We are also engaged in prayer for all, particularly the children of the world. There is widespread fear that undermines confidence as people are daily made aware of the lack of reverence for life. In the wake of such callous disregard of the welfare of the innocent, we pray for all with frightening memories. Often we hear it said. "It is a changed world. The best has gone out of life", followed by Jesus's words "What doth it profit if a man should gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"
Here we think of the answer to terrifying darkness. The coming into the world of Jesus, who spoke of Himself as "The Light of The World". His mother, The Blessed Virgin Mary, accepted her Godgiven vocation with amazing calmness, peace, and indeed sense of satisfaction. Her abundant faith was like that to be seen in mothers facing childbirth. They express their sense of dependence upon God, and a definite satisfaction in cooperation with the Divine purpose.
When the young maiden, the Blessed Virgin Mary, was told by the angel of her destiny to be the mother of Our Lord, she responded with amazing calmness, and indeed satisfaction. We are privileged to have her actual words at the time in The Magnificat. It is a glorious song of praise that has been used in the services of the church from early times. It tells of the character of the church from early times. It tells of the character of Our Lord's mother, and of her special fitness. She has become the pattern of womanhood and motherhood, and her words in the Magnificat are enshrined in the prayers of the faithful in all generations.
Reverence for Our Lord's mother has an elevating effect. It is remarkable that one so young as the Blessed Virgin Mary should have exercised a magnetic power upon the world. She has elevated and purified the ideal of women, and often softened the manners of men.
Christmas Day is observed by believers as the biggest answer to the dark evils and hopelessness that can get us down. Jesus spoke of Himself as "The Light of the World". Through the influence of His followers who have His spirit alive in them He intends to cure the world.
The contrast between light and darkness which we observe as we make our way to Midnight Communion can remind us of that light that can never be quenched. It does restore the light of hope for which there is heartfelt yearning.
"O Lord, raise up (we pray thee) they power, and come among us.