Dear , 

There is a beautiful image hanging in a corridor of the Sevenhill Retreat Centre, of the Nativity set in the rubble of Gaza. Despite the obvious destruction and ruin in the background, the light and colour of the foreground image of Mary, Joseph and Jesus shine out.

Here is our world depicted in small. Around us there is death and destruction, but the focus is on the living, on the future. Mary and Joseph will do their best to protect and provide for the child Jesus; with their care he will grow into a loving person with faith in God.

As the Christmas celebrations bring families together (even wounded and broken), so they represent the most important gifts we wish to give to each other: faith, love and hope. We encourage one another to see God’s presence among us and to trust in God’s promise for a better world.

We at JISA thank you for responding with enthusiasm to the programs and retreats we have offered this year. May this break from our labours give us rest and renew our strength for service. May God continue to gift us all with the desire to grow in faith, to full maturity in Christ.

Fr Iain Radvan SJ

Blessings and Peace to you and your families, from all of us here at JISA

Image painted by Kelly Latimore for Red Letter Christians charity

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