AS it will be my last Christmas as Rector of Crediton I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has shown Tina and our family so much kindness and friendship during our 15 years here.

It has been a great privilege to serve in Crediton and the surrounding communities and we will take many very happy memories with us as we move into Exeter.

One of the aspects which makes Crediton and our villages so special is the sense of community.

This sense of belonging is not always present, especially in larger places where often people hardly know their neighbours. But we should not take it for granted in Crediton either.

A sense of community relies on all members of the community speaking and acting in friendship and mutual respect and in contributing to the common good.

Just taking a moment to stop and speak in the street or to call in on an elderly neighbour can make a lot of differences to somebodies day.

I remember well how long it took me to get up the High Street soon after arriving – and that hasn’t changed!

Christmas celebrates the coming of God among us - the creator of the universe taking human form to show the love which our Heavenly Father has for us.

The love, forgiveness and sacrifice lived out by Jesus continues to be an inspiration for many of us. His message of love is one that is needed as much now as it ever was.

Let us celebrate Christmas, and begin the New Year, with a resolve to increase the peace, hope and love in our families and community and to contribute to the joy of life for ourselves and others in 2018.

May I wish all “Courier” readers a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a good New Year.

Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie