1 January 2024
The Right Revd Dr Guli Franics-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford has written a new year message.
When, I wonder, do you take down your Christmas decorations? The timing of this can be a hotly debated topic. Are you someone who likes to get rid of the clutter and back to normal as soon after Christmas as possible, or do you prefer to let the decorations linger as a lasting reminder of the festive season during those dark January evenings?
Either way, it’s good to be reminded that in the life of the Church, the season of Christmas doesn’t stop with the coming of the New Year, nor indeed on twelfth night. Strictly speaking the Christmas season continues through to Candlemass, which this year is on the 2nd February. But more important than that, the hope of the message of the Christmas story - of God being born among us, sharing our lives so that we might know that even in the darkest of circumstances, God’s light still shines on – this message remains true throughout the year.
None of us knows with certainty what the New Year holds for us, and for our friends and family. As we listen to the news, there are many situations globally, and indeed closer to home, which may well leave us feeling unsettled and uncertain. But it’s at times like these, that it’s even more comforting to hold on to those eternal truths of the Christmas story. And to know that the good news of Jesus’ birth is not just for one season, but brings hope and joy, comfort and peace throughout the year.
And so whatever you may face in the year ahead, I pray that the hope and joy of Christmas will last far beyond the lights and decorations whenever it is that you take them down.
Video
You can watch the message below:
