There are many reasons to be hopeful as we approach 2008, the Catholic primate Cardinal Seán Brady has said. In his Christmas message he said "we continue to have one of the strongest and most robust economies in the world. We should be very grateful for that.
"Peace in Northern Ireland has really taken hold for the first time in many years. People who, only last year, were suspicious and distrustful of one another are making a real effort to build a better future together and for the common good. At an international level, we have seen the first peace talks between the leaders of Israel and Palestine in seven years. Let us pray that they will continue and bear fruit."
But, he continued, "we have new forms of substance abuse which now take their place alongside our regrettable reputation for the abuse of alcohol. Cocaine and other illegal drugs have become a real threat to our happiness and our cohesion as a society . . .
"We also have the increasing stress on families and others affected by the instability in international banking and finance. We have the ongoing challenge of poverty. It is shocking to think that 51 homeless people in Belfast and Dublin have died over the last 18 months.
"Then there is the challenge of global warming and climate change. The future of the children born in Bethlehem, Belfast, Dublin or Dubai this day is by no means certain unless we alter our behaviour towards the environment as a matter of urgency. The simplicity of the stable into which the Son of God was born should challenge us all to a lifestyle which is more sustainable."
Sending special greetings to Poles in Ireland he thanked them for their "ongoing support of the Church in Ireland, of which you are now an integral part. Thank you also for your contribution to Irish society through your humanity and your particular gifts and culture. These are of immeasurable benefit to Ireland today and will continue to be into the future."
In his Christmas message, the Church of Ireland primate Archbishop Alan Harper said "2007 has been an extraordinary year for the people of Ireland". By contrast Christians, "who have lived in Bethlehem for 2,000 years are largely Palestinians and thus not citizens of Israel and yet they are Christians and thus not Muslims". Their "yearning for peace is as urgent as ours was throughout the decades of our troubles," he said.
"While most, this Christmas, will give thanks for the new beginnings in Ireland, many others will have troubled memories of grievous loss . . . Let them not, in looking back, feel that they are forgotten or alone," he said.
The Presbyterian Moderator Rev Dr John Finlay said, "may we all determine to put Christ back into Christmas and give God his rightful place in our lives and in our society. Then this truly will be a happy Christmas for us all, and ensure spiritual and social prosperity . . . in the new year."