PASTORAL MESSAGE FROM OMAGH CHURCHES' FORUM
Pastoral Message from Omagh Churches' Forum
IN a pastoral message delivered to the people of Omagh for Christmas, the area's Churches' Forum asks that the strength of the local community be built upon as the town faces a new future.
Although words were inadequate to describe the suffering enduring within the past four months, the message points out that the strength and courage endured by those who have suffered most, have been an inspiration to everyone at this tragic time.
"The lights are on, Christmas music is in the air, there has been a good response to attempts to bring shoppers into Omagh centre again and we are trying our best to ensure Christmas '98 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 arid 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 15th August 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.
"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 hearts ache within. Give us courage and strength to walk in the light of the One who is the Light of the World."
IN a pastoral message delivered to the people of Omagh for Christmas, the area's Churches' Forum asks that the strength of the local community be built upon as the town faces a new future.
Although words were inadequate to describe the suffering enduring within the past four months, the message points out that the strength and courage endured by those who have suffered most, have been an inspiration to everyone at this tragic time.
"The lights are on, Christmas music is in the air, there has been a good response to attempts to bring shoppers into Omagh centre again and we are trying our best to ensure Christmas '98 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 arid 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 15th August 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.
"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 hearts ache within. Give us courage and strength to walk in the light of the One who is the Light of the World."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1724
Published Date: 24-Dec-98
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.