Christmas messages from our Bishops

Bishop John and Bishop Martin have both written messages for this Christmas season. 

A Christmas message from the Bishop of Worcester

The Church of England’s Christmas campaign this year has been about ‘comfort and joy’ reflecting on the words from the carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman. At the end of a uniquely difficult year, we could all do with the tidings of comfort and joy that Christmas can bring.

Life remains very trying for so many because of the pandemic and for those who have lost loved ones, this Christmas will be a particularly difficult time. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. My prayer is that we can all look forward to better times ahead, with the wider roll out of vaccines hopefully enabling the removal of restrictions during next year.

At Christmas we look back to the birth of the Christ Child 2000 years ago, a unique event in human history at which the angels sang. I pray that this Christmas you might experience the deep sense of joy and hope that the birth of Jesus brings. May your hearts sing with the angels: ‘Glory to God in the Highest and peace to his people on earth.’

I pray that you are able to draw close to the Lord Jesus and be reassured by God’s eternal love for you. May that everlasting hope for the future bring great joy to your heart.

God bless you and a very merry Christmas to you.

Bishop John 

A Christmas message from the Bishop of Dudley

Christmas 2020, almost the end of a year like no other. Some have faced Covid induced illness death and bereavement. Others have faced loss of job, loss of income, loss of contact with family and friends. Added to that is an almost chronic sense of uncertainty, with rules and regulations, advice and guidelines changing time and time and time again. Most people like to be able to plan, to look forward, to make arrangements. This year that has been almost impossible.

2,000 years ago Joseph and Mary were looking forward and making arrangements. They were planning a wedding in their home town of Nazareth and excitement had been growing from the moment their engagement was announced. But then Mary fell pregnant, and Joseph wasn’t the father. A nightmare in those days that would have meant disgrace for them both, and even death for Mary. Would Joseph still love and accept Mary? Could Mary trust God’s promise that this child, the fruit of her womb, would be amazing?  And then they had to travel, far from home. Plans thrown up in the air by a brutal government. Heavily pregnant Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem, and the rest is history. 

The baby born was Jesus Christ, and 2,000 years later I gave my life to follow him, and he is with me still.  I’m just one of millions of Christians the world over. Why not join us at a Church Near You, or online. And worship Christ the new born king. Jesus, the Saviour of the World.

Bishop Martin