THE story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus in a stable, as Mary and Joseph sought shelter, is known by billions around the world – even by those of other faiths and none. Christmas will be celebrated, presents given, and many will go to their respective places of worship to remember the child born in poverty, surrounded by a loving family and animals.

GAELS against Genocide in Gaza are calling on people to join them on Christmas morning for a Palestine solidarity vigil.

STANDING in Dublin airport waiting for a loved one to come home, surrounded by others also waiting to see who comes through the automatic doors. A guy with a guitar calling for requests before launching into Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. The sound of clinking Duty Free bags as the very last minute precious cargo bangs off wheelie cases. Dings of phones with texts saying 'Will you be much longer? The traffic guy is handing out tickets.'

AT this time of year, when twinkling lights appear in windows and families gather around warm hearths, our thoughts inevitably turn to those who have no such comfort. Christmas in West Belfast has always been a season of togetherness, yet it also serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of homelessness, an issue that does not fade simply because the calendar turns to December. If anything, the cold winds and long nights make it all the more visible, all the more urgent.

WHAT’S your Christmas dinner table going to look like on Thursday? Well, pretty much like it did last year, and the year before that, and the year before that...