Christmas 2025 homily of Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop Eamon Martin in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh. CCO archive

Archbishop Martin: "I pray that for those out there who are lonely, isolated and struggling, poor, sick or in need, that we who love God can bring Christ to them this Christmas"

Homily

The late Pope Francis - God rest his soul - was speaking at Christmas time some years ago and he described Jesus as "knocking at the door of our hearts".

Christ comes into our lives, including at Christmas time, but often we don't notice Him because our hearts are so restless and preoccupied - especially in the run up to Christmas - and its as if we keep Christ standing outside, waiting. As Pope Francis put it: "Christ is asking for our acceptance, he's wants us to say 'yes', as Mary did."

It is written in the Book of Revelation, the very last book in the Bible: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20).

On Christmas Eve, I think of Mary, carrying in her womb the unborn Christ child - and wandering through Bethlehem with Joseph, knocking at the doors, hoping that someone would find it in their heart to invite them in.

Sadly. in many ways it's the same today, because in these troubled times of war and violence, fear and uncertainty, it is as if Christ is standing before the whole world this Christmas, knocking to be let in, urging our world to open its heart to Him. We continue to watch with concern the situation in Gaza, Ukraine and other parts of our world where war causes such death, devastation, displacement of people and heart break. And even here, on the island of Ireland, there are people still struggling to get by, to find shelter in the night, food in the day, and love always.

As John puts it in the first chapter of his Gospel:
"He was in the world
that had its being through him,
and the world did not know him.
He came to his own domain
and his own people did not accept him."

Christ knows how much we need Him, how much the whole world needs His Good News of peace on earth, of mercy, forgiveness, generosity, compassion and kindness, and of course, His promise of hope. So even though at times we won't answer the door, He just keeps on knocking; he really wants a 'heart to heart' encounter with us. He is standing right there, with Christmas gifts, of love, mercy and healing - gifts of hope and joy. He wants to share all this with us, so that we, in turn, can share it with others. But Christ simply can't get to us, unless we make the effort to open the door of our hearts, and let Him in.

The mystics used to say, "were Christ to be born in a thousand stables it would be to no avail, unless He is born in our hearts ".

Pope Leo, loves to quote Saint Augustine's beautiful prayer: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."

So friends, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and restful Christmas this year, with peace in your hearts and in your home, and Christ beside you - inside the door - seated at your table, heart-to-heart.

And, I pray that for those out there who are lonely, isolated and struggling, poor, sick or in need, that we who love God can bring Christ to them this Christmas and New Year, gently knocking at the door of their hearts to remind them, "You are loved" and I bring you News of great joy: you're not alone, for "Today a Saviour has been born for us. He is Christ the Lord".

God bless you all!