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

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

Ah, dear grandson, its a brave path youre on; Im proud; youre starting to see; Its 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.

Theres 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; Ill give you what you think you need; Ill fill those empty spaces, the dull ache, the hunger; mines a good feed.

Theres also the Celebrity Shepherd_:_ what a beauty; follow it to fortune and fame. Itll 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 youre not, and make sure you look good as you do; Youll 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, hes 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: Well look after you; Discounted goods, fame and fortune; we really care, its 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; Didnt 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 shouldnt be seen in and, in doing so, took away peoples fears. Hes a bewdy, dear grandson; even dared to bring Good news to the poor. Stood alongside battlers; had no time for zealots or bullies, thats for sure.

This Christmas child wont give you discounted goods, self-satisfaction, and entertainment all the way; Rather, hell 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 its all about.

Peter Day is a Catholic Priest in Canberra.