AS I write this, the decorations have appeared in shops and in homes locally. And in Crediton and the surrounding villages there are some wonderful decorative displays which help to lift our spirits. 

I look back with delight at the switching on of the Christmas lights, in Crediton, with a large number of people gathered in the Town Square and enjoying themselves. This reminded me that Christmas inspires hope. 

Hope is an important part of our Christmas celebrations.

The light of Christ gives us hope even when it may seem to us that there is no hope.

The light of Christ shining in human hearts down through the ages has given hope to countless people and it continues to give hope. When the Christmas trees have been taken down hope continues and that is at the heart of the Christmas story.

Jesus shows us the light and guides us towards love.

Christmas teaches us that even when things seem dark and hope seems a distant dream, we can faithfully trust the light of Christ and that gives real hope. 

A happy and peaceful Christmas to you all and may it be filled with hope for the future.

The Rev Matthew Tregenza

Holy Cross Church

Crediton