From Bethlehem to Nazareth

It's Christmas morning, and out on the ice, not a creature is stirring (except a few priests and church mice).

The first two Masses of Christmas are now complete. As expected the first celebration involved more than a packed house, complete with the cast of children, their parents, grandparents and other family members ... as well as other up-and-coming actors who have not yet reached the stage (in both senses of the word) of actually playing an active role in the recounting of the story. There were newcomers, and old timers, those who understood the liturgy and those who 'just wanted one of those bread things' before scrambling for the door.

And then there was the later celebration, which this year brought some 400+ persons to this place of prayer. This crowd came from all parts of the city. Many were unknown to me, but nonetheless, they were and are all welcome, for we are all pilgrims on the way.

Speaking of pilgrims, the reflection for this year's celebration focuses on the journey that was undertaken by two Nazarenes that first Christmas, and draws some parallels for us today. Have a read if you'd like to know more, or listen in to the way it was ... just last night.