Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB reminded us this Christmas that the cultural ‘joy’ of the festive season does not always match the reality of the situation experienced by many, and that God’s hospitality is not given to those whose hearts are already too full to make room for Him.

For 7.6 million Australians, Christmas is the most stressful time of year – an experience that they share with Mary and Joseph, living through the myriad challenges of the first Christmas.