Each passing year brings a certain number of changes in the lives of every one of us. This past year of 2003 has, brought particular changes for me I was created a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in October. I do appreciate the tremendous number of greetings from all peoples of goodwill, following on my appointment and I thank them most sincerely. On my return to Scotland I have thought seriously about the challenges that face us across the United Kingdom and I mention two in particular: the need to re-introduce the Christian message; and the need for Omarriage and family lifeš to be promoted and supported in our country. At this time of year we celebrate one of the great Christian festivals, though we might question how many people appreciate its Christian significance. Though still nominally a Christian country, it is appropriate to ask: do we observe Christian standards in our homes, our places of work, and our places of recreation or do we fall far short of the teachings of Jesus Christ? In a country which has heard the Christian message for over 1,500 years, we might ask: how Christian are our Christmas cards; is there a Nativity Scene in any public place in our home or in our community; will Christmas Day be a real relaxed family day for us all or simply a day on which we over-indulge ourselves and life almost goes on as normal? Depending on your answers to these questions, you will know whether or not the Christian message has managed to be heard above the commercial cacophony I hope it has! I hope too that our attitudes to marriage and family life will change. We are all aware of the changed standards that seem to apply today. So many more people Olive togetherš rather than entering into the Sacrament of Marriage; children are no longer regarded as a gift from God, but often seen as something of a burden; while attacks on marriage and family life are no longer seen as attacks on the very basis of our society. Just as we are increasingly aware of the rapid changes, which are taking place around us, so too should we be aware of the message Christ, brought us 2000 years ago it has not changed and it remains for all who wish to hear it. I hope you are able to find time in this busy season to stop and listen. May God bless you now and in the year that lies ahead. Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Archbishop of St. Andrew's and Edinburgh December 2003 |