EU-DIGEST

The real message of Christmas -by Michael Smith

This Christmas as fear looms and time for listening is in short supply, Pope Benedict may offer some guidance in our search. Some time ago he put it simply and beautifully when he said: "Heaven does not belong to the geography of space but to the geography of the heart. And the heart of God stooped down to the stable." The events of the past year offer much scope for reflection. Many find the enormous and sudden change that has taken place hard to comprehend. From plenty, and even excess, we have moved rapidly to serious economic turmoil that is having a major negative impact on the lives of many. The voices - there were some - that kept saying it could not last were somewhat like St John the Baptist "a voice crying in the wilderness". About 15 years ago there was a major attack by currency traders on the Irish pound. One enterprising journalist sought a comment from both the Church of Ireland bishop of Meath at that time, Bishop Walton Empey, and myself. To his credit Bishop Empey's comments were more trenchant than mine. Both of us highlighted the lack of ethical and moral underpinning in financial trading. Profit seemed the only motivation - the welfare of people very much a secondary consideration.

The parable of Jesus about the house being built on sand is one we can easily identify with in these times. Self-interest and personal convenience are not the foundations that bring stability or hope. Truth about life, about its purpose and destiny manifested in the ever demanding search for the "definitive that is beyond the provisional" is central to the meaning of what we celebrate at Christmas.

Labels: Christmas

The Birth of Jesus Christ is a message of hope - as millions of Christians around the world celebrate Christmas

Local officials in Bethlehem say double the number of pilgrims have visited this year compared to last.Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, a Muslim, joined the midnight Mass in Bethlehem and emphasized that not only Christians were celebrating the festival. "The new year, God willing, will be a year of security and economic stability," he said.

On this day Christians remember and celebrate that the incarnate Son of God, Jesus, came into the world so that mankind might fulfill its destiny to enjoy the fullness of life in God and to offer peace on earth and goodwill toward all. Let this Christmas be a time to celebrate the divine love that came about as a result of Jesus Christ and hope. So in spite of the great evil of wars, and injustice that threaten our world today, Christmas assures us that even a tiny amount of good, nurtured by love, gives us cause for hope.

Labels: Christmas, Jesus Christ

May 2008 bring a spiritual revolution to your life beyond your wildest dreams and the realization that you can believe in things you can't touch, like freedom, peace, friendship, love, eternity and God. Happy Holidays !

Labels: Bayram, Christmas, Jean Michel Jarre, New Year

Seasonal politics: Sinterklaas vs Santa Claus

It's not along the American lines of replacing the Christian-centred "Merry Christmas" with the more neutral "Season's Greetings". No, it is a full-fledged economic and cultural battle between our great traditional Sinterklaas and that tacky American Santa. Purists will point out that whereas Christmas has descended into a competitive "my-gift-is-more-expensive-than-yours" feast, gifts from Sinterklaas are truly anonymous and as such more in the true spirit of giving.

In addition, a poem is often included, which allows for mild reprimands, which the Calvinist Dutch adore. Finally, there is the "surprise" (pronounced sur-pree-za) whereby you do something artistic like wrap your present up to resemble something different or organise a trail with hints through the house. All much more industrious and creative than having Macy's wrap it for you.

Labels: Christmas, EU, Netherlands, Sinterklaas

Europe's top Christmas markets - Tim Jepson and Nicola Skrbic

The Christmas market (December 7 to December 26, excluding December 8) takes place in the Grote Markt, with dozens of stalls and a temporary ice rink in the shadow of the cathedral and evening carol concerts.

HotelConnect (0845 230 8888; www.hotelconnect.co.uk) has a section on its homepage dedicated to Christmas market packages, including one for Antwerp, staying at a four-star hotel in the old town. Cost is from £33 per person per night for b & b. Travel to Antwerp isn't included, but if you book tickets to Brussels on Eurostar (08705 186186; www.eurostar.com; from £69), you get free onward travel to any station in Belgium.

There are some 50 markets in Berlin; the main ones are at Gedächtniskirche (November 24-December 28), Unter den Linden (November 24-December 28) and Alexanderplatz. Newmarket Holidays (0845 226 7236; www.newmarketholidays.co.uk) has a number of four-day breaks, departing on November 30, December 3, 7, 10 and 14, from £229, which includes return flight from regional airports, three nights' b & b at a three-star hotel, transfers and a guided city tour.

Labels: Christmas, EU