For the past three years, my ministry has been deeply immersed in the journey of synodality and the work of the universal synod—exploring, facilitating, and living out what it means to walk together as a Church, as the People of God. That’s why, this Christmas, it feels particularly timely and meaningful to reflect on the profound connection between the message of Christmas and the spirit of synodality.
Christmas is a time when we celebrate Emmanuel, “God is with us.” Surely this is the ultimate story of accompaniment? God walking with humanity in the most personal, vulnerable way possible. When we think of the Nativity scene, we see a tapestry of people drawn together: Mary and Joseph, shepherds from nearby fields, magi from distant lands, even the animals in the stable, all drawn close to the Christ child lying in the manger, the humble and wonder-filled heart of the Christmas story. But this is not just a quaint story or a historical moment captured in the form of our Christmas cribs; it’s a profound image of what it means to be a synodal Church, because the Nativity scene embodies the essence of what it means to journey together and to be united in diversity. In this moment, people from different walks of life—young and old, rich and poor, local and foreign—are drawn together not by their own plans, but by a shared call from God to encounter Christ.
This reflects the heart of synodality: listening to the Spirit of God, embracing diversity, and finding communion in Christ. The shepherds come in response to the angels’ invitation, while the magi follow the guidance of a star—different paths converging on the same truth. Even the humble setting of the stable reminds us that God often meets us in simplicity and vulnerability, inviting us to encounter Him and one another in ways that may not be how we expected. In this way, the Nativity is a living model of how we are called to walk together, each person bringing their unique story, gifts, and experiences into the shared journey of faith.
This Christmas, we also mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope. What a fitting time to reflect on the hope that Christ’s birth brings into our lives and our world.
Hope is central to our faith as Christians, and as we step into this Jubilee Year, let us ask: What are we hopeful for? We might hope for deeper unity within our Church communities, where everyone feels heard and valued.
We might hope for peace in a world often marked by division and conflict. We might hope for courage to face the challenges of our times with faith and love. Most of all, we might hope to grow closer to Christ, who is the source of all hope and joy. After all, the little child lying in the manger is a radiant symbol of hope, reminding us that in humility and simplicity, God’s love enters our world to renew and transform it—a hope that inspires us as we journey together into the Jubilee Year, trusting in His promise to make all things new.
The story of Christmas is not just a story to be remembered; it’s a story to be lived and synodality invites us to do just that: to live the Gospel in a way that draws people together, just as the star over Bethlehem drew the world to Christ.
May this Christmas season fill your heart with peace, your home with joy, and your journey with the light of Christ. And may the Jubilee Year of Hope inspire us to walk together with renewed faith, hope, and love.
Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir!
Julieann Moran
General Secretary for the Irish Synodal Pathway