MY preparations for Christmas have been very different this year, for we are anticipating the arrival of a baby – our first grandchild.

Cards were bought, gifts chosen, and thought given to food for the festivities much earlier, knowing we could be on our way to visit the new family at any moment.

With the due date approaching the mum-to-be was invited to visit the hospital, to meet those who will care for her during the birth and explain her preferences for labour.

Meanwhile at church we’ve been collecting gifts to send to babies who will be born in very different circumstances; clothing and bedding for those whose mothers will give birth far from home, in refugee camps or temporary accommodation.

These women have few choices and limited support.

The carol "See him lying on a bed of straw" invites us to consider the baby whose birth is at the heart of the Christ-mas celebration.

Like the refugee mothers today, his mother, Mary gave birth in difficult circumstances, yet the child she bore grew up to bring good news that continues to give hope to many today.