Does God seem far away at times? Both today's First Reading and the Gospel remind us that our God is never far away, especially in times of trouble. Christmas is the celebration of God coming to us in the person of Jesus. But it is a reminder that He comes to us all the time. In the Gospel Jesus makes this promise and gives an invitation. "Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus reaffirms what Isaiah says, that we have a caring and tireless God who looks after His own. "I am gentle and lowly of heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Jesus has come to liberate us from the yoke of all forms of oppressive legalism. It is not that we can do what we like but life is reduced to simply one commandment - the commandment to reach out to every brother and sister in compassionate and unconditional love. Very simple and yet very challenging but, once experienced, truly liberating. It helps us to become the kind of people we were meant to be. In being a keeper of rules and laws, I take care of my own 'perfection'. In following the law of love, I benefit because my brother or sister benefits too.