Christmas Message 2004

This Christmas has provoked a useful public debate on the importance of Christmas decorations and carols, which continue to enjoy massive support from people of all religions and little religion.

These decorations come in many different shapes and sizes reflecting our pluralist society. But at this time, Christians should show their colours and acknowledge their devotion to the Christ Child, while others can use symbols of little religious significance ranging from reindeer to holly and ivy.

People this year will once again flock to churches at midnight and to family, turkey (or seafood) and Christmas trees the next day and, please God, will enjoy some peace and gain some hope.

How does this annual miracle of Christmas work? What makes soldiers far from home, people sleeping rough, broken families, lonely suburbanites, religious cynics hope at the year's end that life has some point and that things may get better? Some can't manage this, but most do.

The Imagery of the stable helps; the magic and comfort of carols and snow and presents help. But more than all of this, Christmas touches people because the message is that we are not forgotten by God. The Son of God came to earth and lived as closely with us as we do with our own loved ones. He did not forget us, and he never will. His presence lives on today in many ways, but especially through our acts of kindness.

In Bethlehem Christmas time is usually bleak and cold. Certainly the cave or stable there 2000 years ago was no palace; rather a dingy place of shelter for animals and for those with nowhere better to go.

These surrounds would have brought Mary and Joseph down to earth quickly after the joy and gratitude that comes with birth.

Away from home and friends for the census, the visit of the shepherds and the wise men would have been very welcome to them. There is a lesson here for all of us.

Wherever you are and however difficult your life and your year, God is not a hair's breadth away from you. You are welcome in our churches this Christmas, and always. If you take time to speak to God in prayer and to listen, you will find new strength and direction. This Christmas I pray that all men, women and children will know that God has not forgotten them and that this knowledge will bring you peace.

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