Wednesday 24th - Thursday 25th December 2025
- bostallpark
- Dec 23, 2025
- 5 min read
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD – CYCLE A
WEDNESDAY 24TH DECEMBER
&
THURSDAY 25TH DECEMBER 2025
Archbishop John Wilson's 2025 Christmas message.
Dear friends,
What is the meaning of Christmas?
Each time we are asked the meaning of Christmas, our hearts should be filled with awe, joy and hope as we are drawn back to that remarkable night in Bethlehem.
On that night, the world changed forever. The Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, revealed the majesty and glory of God.
On this momentous night, we not only discovered the meaning of Christmas. We discovered the meaning of love, and the meaning of life.
God in Christ, entered our world so we could we could enter his. God sent his only Son, so we might live through him (1 John 4:9).
There is no clearer message of God’s love. It’s a message of love the world desperately needed to hear, and still desperately needs to hear.
In the Gospel of St John (1:14) the beauty of God’s love for us is revealed, when we hear that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory”.
It’s not simply, as St John tells us elsewhere in the Scripture, that we have loved God “but that he loved us” (1 John 4:10), and that is why he sent his Son: so that we could be saved from sin and death.
This is the meaning of the Incarnation. That God, through his Son, dwelt among us so that we can know his love in our hearts and rejoice in his glory.
This magnificent glory of the Lord can feel overwhelming and that is why we sometimes seek to distract ourselves with all manner of things. Remember, it certainly overwhelmed the shepherds who were filled with great fear.
But we are called to hold fast to the words of the angel of the Lord, who turned to them and said “fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy” that born this day is “a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:9-11).
In the baby Jesus, born as Emmanuel, God with us – we can find hope and meaning. In the Lord Jesus we find joy and love.
Because Jesus is Emmanuel: God with us, with me and with you.
That is why the meaning of Christmas is something that should fill our hearts, each and every day, with joy because it means we are never alone or abandoned.
God in Christ wants us to feel his love, in our joys but especially when we are frightened, when we are in pain and when we feel lost.
The beautiful truth of Christmas is that because of God in Christ we are never lost. God chose to be near us, to stay close to us always, to draw us to himself, always.
In his endless mercy, the Lord Jesus chose to love us, so we could know and believe that “God is love” (1 John 4:16).
In turn, all the Lord Jesus asks of us is to not be afraid and to say yes to him, to draw close to him, to love him.
So my dear friends, the next time you are asked the meaning of Christmas, answer emphatically, with joy in your hearts, that Christmas means God in Christ Jesus loves me and he loves you.
And say with your heart filled with the love of the Lord Jesus, that you say yes to his love. As you rejoice in this love, remember the words of St John, “we love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
I wish you and those you love a blessed and very merry Christmas, may the Lord Jesus fill you with his peace and his love and may you “walk in love”, as Christ loved you (Ephesians 5:2).
And I wish you and all your loved ones a very happy and holy New Year. I pray each day is filled with an encounter with the Lord Jesus and his saving Gospel, so that you can feel his love and experience the “fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11).
+ John
PARISH NOTICES
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN IN HOSPITAL.
If you would like to donate a gift to a child who will be spending Christmas in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, please see the poster in the porch for a list of acceptable items (no cuddly toys) and more information. Please leave gifts in the marked box in the porch. Deadline for gifts is the 25th December.
PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD.
Please take a copy of the parish Christmas card from the porch if you haven’t already.
CRIB OFFERINGS.
This year the parish’s crib offerings will be going to the Catholic Children’s Society. Donations can be cash or contactless using the ‘Crib’ option.
CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS.
Parishioners are reminded that their Christmas offering is their gift to the parish priest. Christmas offering envelopes are available in the porch.
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS.
Thank to our wonderful flower arrangers for the beautiful floral displays this Christmas. As with all things, these cost money so if you are able to donate towards the cost of our flowers, please place your donations in the hole in the wall by the sacristy.
CONFIRMATION 2026.
Application forms are still available for teenagers wanting to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2026. The deadline for application submission is the 25th December 2025. Please speak to the parish priest for more information.
RCIA & ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES - every Wednesday, till Easter 2026. Venue: Church Porch. Time: 7:15pm. Anyone can join to learn and/or refresh one’s knowledge and faith in God.
FOOD BANK.
Just a reminder, we always need donations for the Bexley Food Bank, especially in the winter. Donations can be placed in the porch. There is a sign where you can check what items are needed along with details of how you can make a financial donation if you wish. Please do not leave any perishable items. Donations are delivered to the food bank on Friday mornings.
FATHER INNOCENT'S RETREAT
1st January – 6th January 2026
In his absence, Masses will be supplied by the Friars at Erith. We appreciate their help and warmly welcome them to our parish. Masses remain as usual except there will be no Mass on Saturday morning only.
DEATH.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Jenny Dunning who was a long-standing and devout parishioner. Her funeral was on the 12th December.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS
Wednesday 24th December
Christmas Eve
P Feria
5.30 p.m. Children’s Carol Service
W THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
6 p.m. Children & Youth of the Parish
10.30 p.m. Carol Service
11 p.m. Delia & Family WB
Thursday 25th December W
Christmas Day
8 a.m. Kathleen & Tom Hosey WB
10.00 a.m. People of the Parish
Friday 26th December
R St. Stephen
9.30 a.m. Devine Mercy Devotion & Prayer for the Dead
10.00 a.m. Anthony Kelly
Saturday 27th December
W St. John the Apostle
9.30 a.m. Adoration & Devotion to Mary
10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
W THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH
6.30 p.m. John Smith RIP
Sunday 28th December W
8.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
9.00 a.m. Pereira Family TG & WB
10.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
11.00 a.m. Eileen Ruddy RIP