This Christmas child won’t give you discounted goods … rather he’ll invite you to be humble, other-centred.

Grandpa, I’ve been thinking of late; the meaning of life: how do I know what is true? Sure, I know right from wrong, but there’s something more, something deeper I wanna pursue. I keep getting all these messages: Do this, do that; here’s what’ll satisfy. But grandpa, I’m confused; to be honest, feel like I’m living a lie.

Ah, dear grandson, it’s a brave path you’re on; I’m proud; you’re starting to see; It’s about time I told you about the Christmas child; the Good Shepherd from Galilee. But before I tell you about him, what he did, and what he had to say; You should be aware of some other shepherds, their false promises, and how they lead people astray.

There’s the Consumer Shepherd: it promises a lot: satisfaction, a better life; Just think: ripped jeans with a label, a sexy car, and a multi-purpose knife! Spend, spend, its Scriptures say; I’ll give you what you think you need; I’ll fill those empty spaces, the dull ache, the hunger; mine’s a good feed.

There’s also the Celebrity Shepherd_:_ what a beauty; follow it to fortune and fame. It’ll ask you to sell your soul, but what a life: TV, an agent, and financial gain. Youngsters, they flock; line-up for hours; anything to be the next big thing; A parade of fragile fools conned by the promise of greatness - and lots of shiny bling.

Grandson, beware the Image Shepherd: trim, taut, terrific … Ah, the self-esteem; Take-off eight kilos, get a tan, and go to places where only the right people are seen.Pretend to be someone you’re not, and make sure you look good as you do; You’ll have heaps of friends, the latest gadgets, and your own plastic surgeon too.

What about the Role Model shepherd: usually dressed-up as a sportsman of note; Loves to catch & kick a footy, drink a beer, and sure act the goat. Up on a pedestal we place him: An autograph, please, we beseech. A multi-million dollar pay packet, he’s only a youngster; wisdom well out of reach.

These are popular shepherds, mind you; no empty pews, churches filled to the brim; Vibrant youth groups, healthy budgets, and catchy marketing to get you in. And what preachers: a simple, catchy message: We’ll look after you; Discounted goods, fame and fortune; we really care, it’s true.

Let me tell you, dear grandson, about that other Shepherd; the one born in a grubby manger; The one who leads you down the road less traveled: the road of compassion, truth, and love of the stranger. What a man, dear grandson; what a man this Christmas child proved to be; Didn’t give a hoot about image, no pretending - God He was free.

He walked the earth; rolled in its mud, its blood, and its tears; Visited places you shouldn’t be seen in and, in doing so, took away people’s fears. He’s a bewdy, dear grandson; even dared to bring Good news to the poor. Stood alongside battlers; had no time for zealots or bullies, that’s for sure.

This Christmas child won’t give you discounted goods, self-satisfaction, and entertainment all the way; Rather, he’ll invite you to be humble, other-centred - and ensure the voiceless have their say. Sure, sometimes, you might feel un-cool, irrelevant; even filled with doubt; Hang-in there, dear grandson; I can assure, His way of love is really what it’s all about.

Peter Day is a Catholic Priest in Canberra.