AT the end of November it was my privilege to join in the festive activities in Crediton as we turned on the Christmas lights.

It was great fun and I heard a number of people say that their Christmas had now begun.

Christmas lights, nativity plays and carols often evoke in us memories of Christmas past and provide for us a sense of stability in a world of change.

I love Christmas carols and if you haven’t sung any yet take a look at your local church for services over the Christmas period and you will find yourself very welcome.

One of my favourite carols is “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in which there is a wonderful line “Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting light, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight".

It reminds us that in this season of hope many of us live with fears – for our jobs, about our health or the health of someone we love and for the peace of the world or peace in our own lives.

Christmas reminds us that it was into a world of fear that Christ was born, and points us to a future full of hope without fear, and to a present where we are all held in love.

I pray that you may know the hope and love of the Christ child this Christmas.