AT Crediton Parish Church we have just enjoyed hosting another Christmas Tree Festival, an event which reminded me again of the huge energy and goodwill present in our community.

This energy and goodwill is channelled by the efforts of some amazing people, many of them volunteers, who step up to lead organisations or take roles in supporting them.

Without these people who are willing to put their hand up at a meeting and then work hard, our community would be a much poorer place.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of God’s Son. In the gospels He has several names, Jesus - meaning “God saves”, Emmanuel - meaning “God with us”, Christ - meaning “the anointed one”.

But they all point to the love which God showed us in coming to be with us, to liberate us from the bonds of evil, and to teach us that we are here for one another, as He was here for us.

Whatever 2015 brought for you, I hope you will take some time to reflect at the turn of the year and give thanks for what was good and look forward to what you might do to strengthen and enrich our community in the coming year.

It might be looking in on an elderly neighbour, or helping with a local group.

I know that my life is greatly enriched by the opportunities I have to contribute to the life of my family, church and community. As St Francis put it “it is in giving that we receive”.

May I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a fulfilling new year.

Nigel Guthrie

Rector of Crediton