The Rector’s Christmas Message 2024

Christ our saviour was born for us on Christmas Day. Nothing can change that fact. Jesus was born into a very imperfect world - with no privileges or status. The son of God became incarnate to change the world, to redeem it. So it is a time for rejoicing - for proclaiming and sharing this Good News. It is also a time for thinking how much there is still to do, how much injustice and inequality and suffering there still is.

So how can we minister to the needs of the world - what can we offer to delight the heart of our newborn King at Christmas? We can pray for those without much cheer - for the poor and homeless, the sad and lonely, those still suffering cruel oppression and lack of freedom, hostages and refugees, victims of violence and victims of misfortune. Pray for them, and help them if you can, through agencies like Christian Aid and Shelter.

At Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ presence in his world. That world, as much as ever, needs his peace, his compassion, his generous love. And if the hungry are to be fed, the homeless given shelter, the sick healed and the desperate given hope, it is we, the Body of Christ on earth now, the Church - for all its imperfections - that Jesus looks to, to act on his behalf. Jesus will come again. The question is this: will he find a world transformed and redeemed?

With all good wishes for a Holy and Happy Christmas. Amen.

Father David