ASTORAL MESSAGE FROM OMAGH CHURCHES FORUM
Pastoral message from Omagh churches forum
IN A special Christmas Pastoral message the Omagh Churches Forum said: "The lights are on, Christmas music is in the air, there has been a good response to attempt to bring shoppers into Omagh centre again and we are trying our best to ensure Christmas 1998 will be special for our children. But the deep sense of pain cannot be concealed. The people of Omagh town and district have sadness in their eyes.
"This Christmas our hearts go out to those who struggle with the anguish of having lost a loved one and to those whose bodies and minds bear the scars of the work of human depravity.
"Words are totally inadequate to describe the suffering that people in this community and other places are experiencing as a result of the Omagh bomb. They seem equally inadequate as an expression of compassion. Yet we have been touched and encouraged by the countless messages of support and sympathy, which have poured in from all over the world.
"The demonstration of strength and courage by those who have suffered most has been
an inspiration to those who feel they have suffered little. As a result, our community has been able to take small steps towards some sense of 'normality'.
"At the same time we all know 'normality' as it was before August 15 cannot be recreated.
In the last four months we have learned that we are strong when we are together as a community. We must build upon that as we attempt to address the reality of tomorrow", the message said.
"It is difficult to reconcile our experiences of the last four months with traditional Christmas festivity. However, in its deeper meaning the Christmas message is exactly what we need to hear. It is a story about God making himself vulnerable and taking on the weakness of our humanity. It is a story about shame and suffering that led all the way to a cruel and sinful crucifixion. It is also a story about love and compassion and a God who turned the darkest moments of history into a revelation of light and resurrection hope.
"Lord, in the birth of your Son, you brought light out of darkness. Help those who are hurting to know your love. Embrace those near and afar whose heartache within. Give us courage and strength to walk in the light of the One who is the Light of the World", the message concluded.
IN A special Christmas Pastoral message the Omagh Churches Forum said: "The lights are on, Christmas music is in the air, there has been a good response to attempt to bring shoppers into Omagh centre again and we are trying our best to ensure Christmas 1998 will be special for our children. But the deep sense of pain cannot be concealed. The people of Omagh town and district have sadness in their eyes.
"This Christmas our hearts go out to those who struggle with the anguish of having lost a loved one and to those whose bodies and minds bear the scars of the work of human depravity.
"Words are totally inadequate to describe the suffering that people in this community and other places are experiencing as a result of the Omagh bomb. They seem equally inadequate as an expression of compassion. Yet we have been touched and encouraged by the countless messages of support and sympathy, which have poured in from all over the world.
"The demonstration of strength and courage by those who have suffered most has been
an inspiration to those who feel they have suffered little. As a result, our community has been able to take small steps towards some sense of 'normality'.
"At the same time we all know 'normality' as it was before August 15 cannot be recreated.
In the last four months we have learned that we are strong when we are together as a community. We must build upon that as we attempt to address the reality of tomorrow", the message said.
"It is difficult to reconcile our experiences of the last four months with traditional Christmas festivity. However, in its deeper meaning the Christmas message is exactly what we need to hear. It is a story about God making himself vulnerable and taking on the weakness of our humanity. It is a story about shame and suffering that led all the way to a cruel and sinful crucifixion. It is also a story about love and compassion and a God who turned the darkest moments of history into a revelation of light and resurrection hope.
"Lord, in the birth of your Son, you brought light out of darkness. Help those who are hurting to know your love. Embrace those near and afar whose heartache within. Give us courage and strength to walk in the light of the One who is the Light of the World", the message concluded.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1299
Published Date: 23-Dec-98
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.