I HOPE your Christmas gives a few moments to pause and be thankful.

Some of us will be going to church to give thanks; perhaps like me you will be going to Crediton Parish Church for Midnight Communion.

When Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and given the good news that she would have a special child, she could have said no. But she chose to say yes to God, yes to making space in her life for Jesus.

Mary was young and poor, from a small village. Mary is sometimes called “the first of the little people”, the first sign of a coming kingdom in which the poor, voiceless and marginalised have an honoured place.

If Mary can be chosen by God, then a new world is beginning, society is turned upside down.

Mary’s song from the Bible, known as the Magnificat, is full of thanksgiving and has these words: “God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly, he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.”

So find a moment this Christmas to make space for God, like Mary, welcoming his love and peace. Take a moment to be thankful. And think about Mary’s message of God’s love for all people.

There is a nativity scene at the moment in the Christmas market outside Exeter Cathedral.

Each day people come and take photos of themselves and their friends and families in the stable.

Mary would like this. All are welcome in the Christmas story, Mary looks at us and says, “Come on in”.

I wish all readers a very happy and joyful Christmas, and a blessed and peaceful New Year.

The Rt Revd Jackie Searle

Bishop of Crediton