Bishop’s Christmas Message

By -

 As we look forward to Christmas, and as we hear the news that less than half of people in this country described themselves as Christian in the 2021 census, we have some serious thinking to do. Doubtless the purveyors of chocolate, alcohol, luxury foods, toys, video games, decorations, jewellery and books will continue to do well this month: our nation will still celebrate Christmas after a fashion. But Christ is less and less at the centre of it. Increasingly our task as Christians and Churches is to teach again the very basics of the faith, not assuming that people know anything at all about it. The simple Christmas story is a good place to start, but we also need to explain the deeper meaning and encourage people towards commitment. 

So I have a double-barrelled Christmas message this year. To Christians and Churches I say: Rejoice in Jesus, all that he is and means, and seek to find new ways of sharing him with those around you. To the majority of people, who don't associate with Christianity and Church: I encourage you, not just to celebrate Christmas, but to let your local church, or a Christian friend, share with you more of its wonderful deeper meaning.

A very happy and meaningful Christmas to you all.





Comments

Post a Comment

Please leave your comment and the moderator will process it as soon as possible.

Popular posts from this blog

Message from Rev Julie Scott

By -
Image
  Below follows a short introductory message from our newly appointed priest Rev. Julie Scott. Hello, it is with great joy that I can introduce myself as your new Vicar. My name is Revd Julie Scott and with my husband Adrian we are looking forward to joining and serving the community. We currently live in Bridgwater Somerset where I have served part of my curacy. The southwest has been home for a number of years, however I recognised that I wanted to discover and minister to a new area, as well as a being a little closer to our family. We have one daughter and two grandchildren who live in Lincolnshire, and I am blessed to have my father who still lives in Surrey where I grew up. Adrian and I are both passionate about the environment and will always look for the ways we can protect and enjoy the world around us. One of the ways I do this is through the arts, I have a love of painting and photography, as well as having a background in design which I bring to all aspects of my life. ...
Read more

Revd Deborah Marsh - new appointment

By -
Image
Deborah Marsh is to become Team Vicar within the Oakham Team Ministry, with responsibility for the parishes of Whissendine, Teigh, Ashwell and Market Overton. She will Licensed by the Bishop of Brixworth on Sunday the 4th February at 3pm at St Andrews Whissendine. We ask for your ongoing prayers for Deborah and Gary as they prepare for this new role.
Read more