Facing a new year can be intimidating - we wonder how we will handle the challenges that are certain to come. It is so important to remember that God is at our side and to have the right image of God in our minds and hearts. The beautiful blessing of Aaron teaches us that God is kind, gracious, and filled with blessings and peace. God's deepest desire is to bless us and encourage us. The images of a harsh and punishing God need to be cleansed from our minds. And to prove that God is kind and merciful we are invited to be adopted as children of God - to recognize God as our Father and to respond joyfully. But if we harden our hearts - if we are filled with anger, negativity, selfishness, and fear it will be almost impossible to experience the peace and the blessings that God wants to bestow on us. The declaration of the angels to the shepherds carries a similar message: peace on earth to those whom God favours. And who are they? It's not some exclusive club and it requires no great feats of holiness or asceticism. The shepherds themselves were very simple people who lived on the fringes of society - but they were humble and open. The message is addressed to all who yearn for God and who try to be just, compassionate, kind, and generous. Mary the Mother of God is the perfect example of such a person.