20.12.2021
Your presence in church this Christmas is a sign of hope to all who can’t be there
As new Covid restrictions come into effect, Archbishop Michael Jackson has encouraged people who feel safe in attending church services this Christmas to do so to send a message of hope to those who can’t.
In a message to all the people of Dublin and Glendalough Archbishop Michael Jackson said today:
“The new Covid restrictions which come into effect today are a sadness to all but a surprise to few.
“In regard to religious services, we Christians are still in a position to gather for worship indoors on Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day and on St Stephen’s Day, observing all relevant safety measures.
“For those of you who feel safe about gathering in person for worship on any of these days in the season of Christmas, I encourage you to do so.
“By your presence in church, you will be able to pray with and for those who cannot do so and who do not feel it is safe to go to church and who yet yearn to do so.
“You will be able to give to them the message of hope that they are not alone. You will, in a real sense, be going not only on your own behalf but also on their behalf.
“Giving thanks is a key part of going to church. You can give thanks to God for God’s goodness and for the contributions in goodness made to ensure our safety and wellbeing by all who form the Front Line in our society. To them we remain eternally grateful.
“Christmas is the time of Emmanuel. And Emmanuel means: God is with us. I encourage those of you who feel it is safe to do so to be in church with God at Christmas time.”