Beannachtaí na Nollaig 🌟

Wishing you Joy this Christmas 💝

By Joy I do not mean forced happiness or joviality.

I am conscious that many people experience hardship and feelings of isolation and loss at Christmas. That doesn’t mean that there can’t be moments of joy or even joy in suffering. So, joy is my wish for all of us this Christmas ✨

The full text of Flor McCarthy's reflection that inspired this Christmas wish is included below.

Whether or not you are religious, I hope that the sentiments resonate with you and that you can experience joy or “love flowing over into life” this Christmas even if it “co-exists with pain” 💖

Have a beautiful Christmas 🎄🌟

Joy is a blend of laughter and tears.

It consists of having a love affair with life.

It is having a heart aglow with warmth

for all one’s companions on the road of life.

It is looking for the happiness that comes in small packages,

knowing that big packages are few and far between.

It is making the most of the present,

enjoying what is at hand right now.

Joy is love flowing over into life,

and it can co-exist with pain.

Joy is the flag we fly when Christ, the Prince of Peace

has taken up residence in our hearts.