Hard times could prove a blessing, says cardinal

THE head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland has said economic hard times could be a blessing in disguise.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien says in his Christmas message that "a more simple way of life" caused by the economic downturn "could even help us".

He said the Nativity scene should serve as a reminder of the "indescribable poverty" in which many people live, and the importance of family life.

"Perhaps it is at a time of increasing austerity in our country that we might realise that we are being called to a more simple form of lifestyle and that a more simple way of life could even help us should more difficult economic times face us in the years which lie ahead.

"Our greatest example in all of this is the birth of Jesus Christ. That is the event which should continue to inspire us now and in the years which lie ahead.

"May that nativity scene of Jesus, Mary and Joseph remind us of those bonds of love which brought those three people together - that love which should continue to inspire us in our own lives, now and in the future."

He added: "The celebration of the Feast of Christmas, if possible in our own family circles, should indeed bring us much joy but it should also remind us of the reality of the world in which we live, a world in which so very many others live in indescribable poverty on a scale we simply cannot imagine.

"The past year has been one of many celebrations, including the momentous visit of Pope Benedict XVI to our country, yet whether personal or national any celebrations we have had to date, pale in comparison to the one we now prepare for as we get ready to commemorate the greatest event in human history - the birth of Jesus Christ the son of God and son of Mary in a stable at Bethlehem.

"I wish you a peaceful and holy Christmas and every blessing in the year to come."