Christmas is a word that speaks to the heart. In that way, it is like the word of God itself. Luke sets up the Nativity scene: She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. And we are able to enter into the dim glow of the manger light to be touched by mystery.

The crèches that many will encounter in churches, homes and on our promenades ought, however, to do more than lift our spirits: each crib retells the story of God who became man to bring each person into the fullness of life. This joyous season is about the Son of God who came to save his people.

God came to us in the flesh, in a stable at Bethlehem , and among the Holy Family's first visitors were shepherds who lived in the fields, which suggests that those who set their hearts on meeting him will need to seek him out in less than impressive surroundings.

Christ invites us into the homes of those who have nothing, and into the lives of those with no homes. The power and love of God, life and the human person are what come into focus in the manger.

Pope Benedict XVI, in his message marking World Food Day on October 16, drew attention to the millions of people, whose lives are at risk because they lack basic food for their life and well-being. He called this state of affairs one of the “worst scandals that affect the life of the human family.”

The Pope noted famine is not entirely an environmental matter. “It is also caused by human beings themselves and by their selfishness,” which is expressed, among other ways, “by gaps in social organisation”.

He said, “true world development, organised and integral, which everyone hopes for, requires… an objective knowledge of human situations, the identification of the real causes of poverty and practical responses whose priority is the appropriate formation of each person and community.”

Meeting Christ in the homeless

This joyous season calls us to a sincere regard for the human person.

Numbers of socially displaced persons wandering about the streets, sleeping on pavements and in parks suggest a lack of such regard. But so would any attempt to free our streets of these homeless, poor and mentally ill persons that reduces them to obstacles for removal.

Among these displaced persons, too, are some who have been victims of natural disasters and of addiction of one kind or another.

The way forward is clearly not that the State should do nothing. Its actions, however, must be in keeping with the values of the Gospel and the promise that Christ's coming holds for all humanity.

Thus the statement of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) deserves proper scrutiny. The CCSJ is right in calling for a humane plan that involves all stakeholders, that takes into account the needs of each socially displaced person.

It is right in asking that the programme be communicated to the wider community.

Christmas challenges us to see in new ways; from the perspective of the Christ child in the manger. This joyous season ought to change us, make us better people.