In this year's Christmas Message, Bishop Martin talks about finding joy and peace in the Christ Child this Christmas.
A Christmas message from the Bishop of Dudley and Acting Bishop of Worcester – what brings you joy?
What brings you joy at Christmas? I know it's been a hard year for many and a hard year for our world. Not much peace, not much joy, it seems.
But at this time of year in churches, it is a privilege to see the joy on people’s faces, particularly children, as they visit for Christingle and crib services. We see their excitement and expectation as we remember the tiny baby born in a stable.
As a vicar, I’ve always found Midnight Mass services particularly special, singing carols together and feeling the peace of Christ, as well as the joy of his birth.
And then after the service, I’ll walk home on my own in the peace and quiet of the early morning. Knowing the joy and the peace of Christmas in my heart.
I hope that the joy and peace of the Christ Child will be God's gifts to you as well as to me this Christmas time.
Bishop Martin
