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Journeying Towards Christmas: A Celebration at the Focolare Centre

 

On December 15th, the Focolare Centre in Prosperous opened its doors to welcome people of all ages for a heartfelt Advent gathering, focusing on the true meaning of Christmas and its joy. The event was a wonderful mix of reflection, music and community, designed to inspire participants in the lead-up to Christmas.

The evening began with the melodious strains of Christmas carols, setting a serene and joyful tone. These songs served as a prelude to a simple yet profound re-telling of the Nativity story. With each familiar detail of Mary and Joseph’s journey, the birth of Jesus in a humble stable and the awe of the shepherds and magi, the audience was invited to reflect on the message of hope and love that Christmas brings.

Adding to the evening’s global flavour, Christmas songs from around the world were performed, showcasing the universal nature of this celebration. The highlight of the musical segment was Andrew Basquille’s original song, Let’s Fill the Sky with Stars. This beautiful piece encouraged acts of kindness, symbolized by stars drawn on cribs—an activity that inspired creativity and a deeper commitment to bring light into the world through small, meaningful gestures.

A deeply moving moment followed, as a solemn prayer for peace was read. The prayer emphasized the collective hope for peace in a world still marked by conflict and division. It implored each person to become a bearer of peace, spreading love and hope wherever they go:

“Dear Lord, as we journey together towards Christmas, we ask you to bring peace to all people and countries where war is raging. We pray that all may feel your presence and love and not lose hope. Help us to be bearers of peace wherever we are so that Your Love might reach and warm the hearts and minds of all, bringing Peace, Hope and Love.”

There was no shortage of festive goodies and plenty of time to mix and chat, many moments of deep sharing and of light-hearted catching up. As participants prepared to leave, they were given a meaningful keepsake: a message from Focolare founder Chiara Lubich. Her words served as a powerful reminder of the essence of Christmas and the daily call to love:

“It’s Christmas! Let your love (…) burn in our hearts and let us love one another as you desire! Then you will be there among us and every day, if we love one another, can be Christmas.”

The gathering concluded with hearts full of joy and minds inspired to make the remaining days of Advent a time of intentional love and kindness. By fostering peace within their own homes and communities, participants left ready to prepare the way of the Lord in our lives and beyond. WE were encouraged by the news that our Back Pack Project with Merchants’ Quay in Dublin was successfully concluded and that Marian and Brendan would deliver the Backpacks on Monday. Thanks to all who supported this appeal.

This annual event at the Focolare Centre reminds us all of the transformative power of Christmas—not only as a celebration of the birth of Christ but as a call to bring light and peace to the world. Let us all take up the invitation to “fill the sky with stars” through our actions, making this season truly special for everyone around us.

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