As we celebrate Christmas we say that hope is not dead. In the dark places of our lives, whether because of the passing of a loved one or a myriad of other difficulties, we say that hope is not dead. But rather than a Hollywood-style ‘knight in shining armour’, hope comes in the form of a defenceless baby, in the absence of power. Power doesn’t save us. Rather, power enslaves and controls. Power warps and twists us.

As Christians we believe that God took human form in the person of Jesus. Associated with that, we believe that God is present in each and every one of us. We believe that humans are created in the image and likeness of God – all 7 billion of us. This is reinforced for us in our relationships – we learn, we grow, we are more through our relationships. By imitating the self-sacrificing love of Jesus, by being our best image of God, God is at work in each of us, building community, binding us together. The power of ‘we’, not ‘me’, the building of community is a real Christmas gift.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a peaceful 2017
Patrick