Christmas messages to Newark Advertiser readers from religious figures in Newark and Sherwood
The Advertiser has asked religious figures across the area to give their reflections on the Christmas period. This is what they said:
“There is nothing more compelling than to see someone’s face light up with fresh hope,” writes the Right Rev Paul Williams, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.
“In the days leading up to Christmas we see hope in the barely contained excitement of little children. Their dreams and ambitions remind us that we are not meant to live without hope.
“Which is why despair in the face of a child, whether in a conflict zone far away or someone we know and cherish closer to home, can be a painful reminder of a world not at peace with itself.
“You may have had a very good year or approach this Christmas carrying a burden that’s hard to bear. The true meaning of Christmas in the birth of Jesus is about restoring hope.
“That’s why I love the line from the popular carol, ‘O holy night’, when we sing, ‘A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!’
“The TV presenter Dan Walker recently shared this is one of his favourite carols and with other favourites ‘it contains life changing and life affirming truth.’
“Once again celebrating the birth of Jesus doesn’t sweep away all our troubles, but Christians believe the peace of Christ can settle our restless hearts and awaken in us a hope that nothing can take away.
“I wish you a very happy Christmas.”
The Rector of Newark Parish Church, the Rev Chris Lion, asks: “I wonder, are you someone who likes to know exactly what Christmas presents you’ll be getting, or do you like surprises?
“The birth of Jesus was extremely surprising, in many ways. The idea that God Himself would enter into our world, as a human being, was a surprise in itself; but that He would do so as a baby, born into obscurity and poverty, was even more unexpected.
“We live in a world where there is so much joy and beauty; but also, life can be painful and difficult.
“In the midst of it all, God continues to surprise us; and the most wonderful surprise of all is when we first come to realise that He loves us, completely unconditionally.
“That there is far more to our universe than just what we encounter with our senses; we are each a part of a glorious story, which is still being written.
“The birth of Jesus into our world is a key moment in that story. So, as you celebrate this Christmas, whatever that looks like for you, my prayer is that you will be surprised by God’s great love.
“On behalf of all of us at the parish of St Mary Magdalene with St Leonard, here’s wishing you a very happy Christmas.”
THE Dean of Southwell, the Very Rev Nicola Sullivan, says: “Many people this year have said how hard it is to watch the news.
“The 24-hour newsfeed shows so many desperate places and people suffering because of war and natural disaster.
“News can make us feel helpless and anxious or guilty that our day-to-day challenges are minor in comparison.
“In Southwell Minster we offer visitors themed prayer cards in the Light of the World chapel, suggesting they stop and reflect and take a prayer card home.
“These simple prayer cards cover all kinds of human experience — grief, illness, anxiety, loneliness, doubt, seeking guidance.
“But to our great surprise the most popular card picked up is ‘Being Thankful’. It says to think of someone special or to notice something good and say ‘thank you’ to God.
“2023 has been a hard year for our world yet the small steps of gratitude can change our fearful hearts, and inspire us to be more generous, forgiving and appreciative.
“Christmas celebrates the greatest reason of all to be thankful. Jesus is given to us. He invites us to open our hearts and follow him. His light and love still shines in the darkest place. ‘O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord’.”
Father Michael O’Donoghue, Parish Priest at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Newark, writes: “There were two significant happenings at Holy Trinity this year.
“Father Joseph was appointed to St Alban’s Parish in Derby in September 2022 which left the three churches in my care rather threadbare. But in March a Missionary Priest, Father Matthias Ejukwe, arrived from Southern Nigeria with a joyful disposition to serve the pastoral needs of Newark, New Ollerton and Southwell.
“The second was the shock news from the Department of Education, one week before the start of the Autumn Term, that Seven Classrooms, The Assembly Hall and the Kitchen Area of Holy Trinity School needed to be taken out of use because of RAAC in the ceilings of the roof structure.
“The parish responded with stoical resolve as the Head teacher put plans in place to ensure that children would not be denied, despite the difficulty.
“In October, the Roman Catholic Church worldwide gathered in Rome to reflect on its mission; a brief summary of the outcome is to recommend that the documents of Second Vatican Council should continue to be a sure compass for the church in the 21st century.
“During Advent we prepare for the birth of the Prince of Peace. We watch the growing excitement in children’s eyes and it is difficult not to reflect on the tears that have been shed this year because of wars and conflicts.
“In many cases tears for the slaughter of innocents in the land of Herod. ‘Wars begin in the human heart’ and peace can only be achieved when hearts of stone have been turned to hearts of flesh.
“The coming of the Prince of Peace offers us another opportunity to reflect on ways we can become blessed peacemakers.
“Wishing all readers a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.”
Captain Matt Elsey, of Newark Salvation Army, said: “We hear people talk a lot today about who is telling the truth and who we can or can’t believe.
“How many times have you heard people call something an “alternative fact,” when really it is a lie. Wouldn’t it be good to know the truth?
“As we approach another Christmas, our focus is once again drawn to a story that happened a long time ago and from a distant land.
“But despite that it is a story that still amazes young children, enthralling every generation and causes billions of people to rejoice.
“The story of Jesus’ birth and his existence is true and recorded not just in the bible but other historical texts.
“God wanted the world to know how much he loves them and sent his son, Jesus (a human like us) into our world to express how deep that love is.
“God’s love for you is the “truth” at the heart of the Christmas message.
“I pray that this Christmas you will take a few moments to marvel and believe in the truth of the Christmas story and what impact is has on you, your family, and the whole world. Believe it!”
Andrew Miller, of Newark Evangelical Church, said: “One of my favourite carols is ‘O little town of Bethlehem’.
“It paints an almost idyllic picture of the place where Jesus was born, lying still in a ‘deep and dreamless sleep’. The scene in modern day Bethlehem, in the West Bank, is very different.
“This year, the annual Christmas display has been cancelled due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
“People on both sides have suffered terribly over the last couple of months.
“The streets of Israel, Gaza and the West Bank have been darkened by this conflict, and there seems to be no hope. But the words of the carol still ring true.
“In the dark streets of Bethlehem, and all around the world, a light is still shining.
“Jesus came into this world at the first Christmas to be ‘the everlasting light’. This is a light that cannot be overcome by darkness.
“Christians in Israel and Gaza can testify to the power of Jesus’ light in their darkest hours. And they want to be a light to others.
“The director of the Bible Society office in Gaza said: “We are praying that God may have mercy and help us to give hope to others.
“May the hope of Jesus, the everlasting light, bring comfort to all this Christmas.”