This Christmas, Bishop David invites us to pause and reflect on the simple yet profound message of the angels to the shepherds in Bethlehem: "I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people."
In a world often overshadowed by darkness and uncertainty, the message of Christ’s birth offers a timeless reminder of hope and light. Just as the shepherds were invited to come and witness the miracle in the most ordinary of places, Bishop David encourages us to draw near to the joy of the season, whether at home with loved ones, through community celebrations, or in the quiet reflection of Christmas services.
“Up on a hillside, outside Bethlehem, the Angel kept his message simple. “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Christ, the Lord.” All the rest is just instructions as to how the shepherds can find the newborn Jesus. They’re invited to come and see an event that will change the course of human history and the entire world, something over which the whole of heaven rejoices. Yet it’s unfolding within easy reach of their fields.
“I want to keep it simple too. Our world is in many ways as dark and dangerous as Roman occupied Israel. We need joyful news as much as ever. I, along with billions of other Christians worldwide, spend our lives seeking to live in the light of who Jesus was and is. We form ourselves into communities - congregations - that seek to love and serve their neighbours, even as he did. Which is why I think it’s important that at Christmas, what comes first is simply to allow the joy which the Angel announced to enfold us in its warmth. Like the shepherds, we are invited to, “Come and see”, to draw close to the miracle of Jesus’s birth. We can do that at home, alone or with family. We can do it with the aid of radio or TV broadcasts. We can do it through the exchange of cards and presents, and the enjoyment of Christmas food and drink. And we can do it at any of the hundreds of Christmas Services taking place in our churches, in Manchester and its surrounds, at any of which you will be very welcome. But don’t take my word for it. Take the word of an Angel. Happy Christmas!”
