“DO not be afraid”, said the angels to the shepherds on the hillside in Bethlehem that very first Christmas, as they announced the birth of Jesus.

Perhaps they are the words we most need to hear this Christmas: “Do not be afraid”.

As I write there is growing uncertainty about the spread of the Omicron Covid variant and concern about NHS capacity.

We have lived much of this past year with insecurity and at times intense anxiety and distress.

I am told that the message “Fear not”, or “Do not be afraid”, comes 365 times in the Bible – words for each day of the year. They are a message of hope – not because bad stuff doesn’t happen, but because they remind us that God is with us, and he gives help, strength and courage each day.

As we acknowledge all that has been difficult in the past year, we also give thanks for resilience in our communities – for all who have worked to keep us safe, for the NHS, for care home staff, for schools, for key workers, for neighbourhood groups, churches and charities that have served and cared for others.

And we give thanks for friends, family, neighbours, and for the smallest signs of hope - the smile when we needed it, a word of encouragement, the kindness of a stranger – signs of God’s love reaching out to us and to the world.

May you know peace and blessings this Christmas, and may the message of the angels give hope for the year ahead.

Bishop Jackie

The Rt Rev’d Jackie Searle

Bishop Of Crediton