CHRISTMAS is rarely the same from year to year.

We may keep the same traditions – going to a carol service, eating turkey and pudding, opening presents, watching the Queen’s speech - yet each of us experiences change in our circumstances and in our families, and we notice them especially when we come to Christmas time.

We have memories of Christmases past; we may have lost loved ones in the past year, we may have new additions to our families … there is often a mix of joy and sorrow.

Having moved to Devon in October and experienced all the change that moving involves, I am greatly looking forward to celebrating Christmas in our new home, and to joining the people of Crediton for the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Whatever the changes, personally or in the wider world, the message of Christmas remains exactly the same, the same as it was in the past, the same message for today right now, and the message for the future: And it is this: “God is with us.”

We are not alone; Jesus came to this world, moved into the neighbourhood, became part of a family, joined a community – God is with us.

One of my favourite carols is “O little town of Bethlehem”. It finishes with the words: “O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” Emmanuel means, “God is with us”.

At this time of year, as we make space in our homes for extra guests, let us also make space for Jesus.

The carol makes this invitation – come and stay with us Lord. Don’t just come to us for Christmas, but abide with us, stay on after Boxing Day.

Let us make space in our hearts for the love and gift of God in Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

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.