A Christmas message from the Archdeacon of Warrington the Ven Simon Fisher

Christmas means so many different things to different people. For some it’s the family gathering round the dinner table, for others it’s the chance to catch up with friends, many enjoy the delight of someone opening a present and some love the chance to sing an uplifting carol in a rousing Christmas service.

This is good. We are all different and will take different things from this time of year.

What concerns me is the increased talk about the pressure that Christmas puts on so many people.

Chief amongst this is the financial pressure to provide all the Christmas trimmings, pressure that comes at a time when the effects of the cost of living crisis loom remain. But it is more than finance. The stress that some can feel over the need to do the right thing at Christmas can be overwhelming.

That’s when I turn to the Christmas story for comfort and instruction. For in the story we tell at Christmas we see a God who ignores the pageantry opting for a small, humble stable to start his time on earth. When I look to that God I am inspired to think of the poor and weak in our town and across our borough and consider how I can show God’s love for others.

When I turn to the Christmas story I think of the first word that often comes from the lips of angels. Peace. The accounts show that many were anxious so the angels wanted them to be at peace. I take that as a cue. I see so many people who are not at peace with themselves and with each other and that is the message they need to see and hear this Christmas and throughout the year.

Alongside the sense of peace, we need a feeling of joy. For me joy comes understanding that the Christmas story is about love. We say in church that God gave us Jesus because of love. Unconditional love. That’s something that is freely available for all. I believe it is good for everyone’s wellbeing. Having a traditional church Christmas is a free way of filling your heart with peace and joy. The peace and joy promised by the angels on that first Christmas in Bethlehem. So why not try that this year?

But whatever Christmas means for you and however you celebrate I wish you a blessed and peaceful Christmas.