CHURCHES across Devon will be holding Christmas services this weekend, the first time they have been able to go ahead without any Covid measures for three years.

It is a time of celebration, of gathering together in our communities to hear the familiar words of the Christmas story.

I will be at Crediton Parish Church on Christmas morning at 10am and all are welcome to join me, it is a wonderful way to start Christmas Day. 

This year, though we are glad to gather freely in our church buildings, there is awareness that Christmas comes amidst a time of anxiety and need.

Carols like “In the Bleak Midwinter” or “Good King Wenceslas” have an added resonance, given energy prices, freezing temperatures and the rising cost-of-living.

The simple message of “Silent Night”, “sleep in heavenly peace”, is even more poignant this year, with the war in Ukraine now in its 10th month.

And “Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed”, is a reminder of the hundreds of displaced Ukrainian, Syrian and Afghan families now living in our cities, towns and villages across the South West – many of them desperately worried about loved ones back home.

The Christmas story is one where both rich and poor gather – those wise men from the east with their expensive gifts, and the shepherds, with nothing to offer but their hearts and their worship.

It is a story of both insecurity and generosity: Mary and Joseph have had to travel and depend on strangers to find hospitality. 

Whilst Jesus is still young they will leave their home to go to Egypt to avoid those who would wish them harm. Jesus was not born into comfort but into the reality that so many face, into the challenges of life. 

Later in His life Jesus taught us that our only security is in God. And to those in need of help He said: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”.

When we hear the Christmas story we are reminded of the Good News of Jesus’ birth and what it means for us today.

The description of Mary and Joseph, the angels and the shepherds, the wise men and the star and the baby Jesus in a manger gives a powerful message of God’s love, sending His Son into the world to be with us, to bring us light, hope and peace.

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

The Rt Rev Jackie Searle

Bishop of Crediton