As we draw towards the end of 2021 we look back on a year that has challenged many of us and our movement. We have had to adapt to new ways of working, engaging young people and partners virtually rather than in person. So too have many young workers had to change how they work and study. Sadly, many have not been able to or have struggled to adapt. We hope 2022 will offer more opportunity to meet together.
In addition, there are still many young workers across the country who continue to be faced with hardship due to unemployment, low pay and precarious working conditions. Further afield from home we see worrying evidence of political unrest and war where the Christian values of love, peace and the common good are ignored in place of ideology, power and greed.
However, the season of Christmas provides us with an opportunity to dispel some of this darkness by focusing our hearts and minds upon the hope that the birth of the Prince of Peace delivers. Pope Francis in his Christmas Day message of 2014 reminded us;
"Where God is born, hope is born. He brings hope. Where God is born, peace is born. And where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war."
We pray that in this season of Christmas the birth of the Christ child will enlighten our hearts so that we may all better live out His call to be missionary disciples to one another.
The YCW National Team wish you a very happy Christmas.
