Christmas messages 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 one difference that will set apart this Christmas from every other Christmas most of us will have ever known. At 3 o’clock in the afternoon we will not hear the reassuringly familiar voice of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II, writes the Right Rev Paul Williams, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.
Instead, we will listen to the King delivering his first message to the nation and Commonwealth.
It will no doubt be a poignant moment as we recall the shared sorrow that has marked this momentous year, perhaps especially so for the Royal Family.
For some readers, the sadness will be amplified by a more personal loss or struggle this year has brought for you. The cost of living crisis and the terrible war in Ukraine only adds to the uncertainty and fears with which we approach a new year.
The story of the child born in Bethlehem long ago is not simply a temporary respite from mid-winter gloom. Jesus came to be the light of the world and the hope of the nations.
The Queen once said, ‘For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, (whose birth we celebrate today) is an inspiration and anchor in my life.’
We all need something or someone who will be an inspiration and anchor to us, especially when we face the storms of life.
It may be necessary to celebrate Christmas more simply this year, but we can still celebrate with all our hearts, knowing that in Jesus there is always hope for our lives and world.
THE Rector of Newark Parish Church, the Rev Chris Lion, says: During 2021, I saw lots of half-joking posts on social media about how people thought things couldn’t get any worse than in 2020 — and then they did.
I don’t know how you’ve found 2022; but it certainly has been another challenging year for many.
In the midst of these challenges, I’m praying for two things.
Firstly, I pray that this Christmas would be a time of rest; a season to take time out from the busy-ness of life. Rest is a vital part of the rhythm of creation. We need it, so let’s not miss the opportunity for rest that Christmas provides.
And secondly, I pray that we would look ahead to 2023 with hope.
Whatever any of us might be facing, God loves us, and He cares for us. Christmas reminds us of exactly that — that He loves us enough to come to Earth, and become one of us.
And Easter, in a few months’ time, confirms the promise that He will one day return, and put right all that is now wrong in the world.
So may you know both rest and hope in this season; and on behalf of all of us at the parish of St Mary Magdalene with St Leonard, here’s wishing you a very happy Christmas.
Father Michael O’Donoghue, Parish Priest at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Newark, writes: At the end of November the Christmas lights were switched on in Newark and the town was transformed immediately. There are marvellous displays of lights in many of our localities, in estates and in our suburbs. They bring a wonderful feel to the whole season.
The sheer joy of Christmas is a reflection of Jesus, “the Light of the world”.
Year on year, we look towards the light to unravel the confusion and darkness of our lives.
One image, in particular, from the war in Ukraine stands out for me; an elderly woman with her hands joined in prayer, as seen on our television screens, standing outside her church, her lips moving in intercession as the missiles continued to destroy the fabric of the country.
Jesus is the light of that holy woman’s life.
She understands that Jesus overcame even death itself and with his power, we too can survive the miseries of fuel shortages, the rising cost of food and be able to offer the needy shelter.
Christ is the light that that helps us to see that God’s love embraces and sustains the whole of humanity.
Wishing all readers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2023.
WE LIVE in a world where it is all too easy to point out difference and to put people into boxes, writes the Rev Nathan Fella, Superintendent Minister of Newark and Southwell Methodist Circuit.
I believe that the story of the birth of Jesus reminds us that there is room for everyone in God’s story.
I never stop being amazed that I keep seeing new things in the Christmas story each year!
This year, I have been struck by how everyone is represented in the Nativity story. There is room for people experiencing poverty (the shepherds) difference (the Wise Men) all ages and genders (Mary) for refugees (Joseph) for the natural world (sheep) for God (who came in Jesus) and for you and me, no matter who we are.
To put it another way, the first Christmas reminds us that, no matter your employment, marital status, sexual history, sense of the spiritual, friendship network, intelligence, power, influence, visibility, nationality, title, courage, vulnerability, immigration status, or position on the property ladder, everyone has a place in God’s story.
This Christmas and into 2023 may we know that there is always room for us in the love of God, and may we live in the hope, peace, love and joy that Jesus brings.
THE Dean of Southwell, the Very Rev Nicola Sullivan, says: A new word came into the dictionary in 2022 — permacrisis.
It means ‘a long period of insecurity and instability’ and I think all of us will agree it sums up the last three years.
Just when we thought we were getting over the pandemic, the terrible war in Ukraine broke out causing immense suffering and political upheaval.
The steep rise in the cost of living means many are facing big worries about money or their jobs this winter.
One friend said this year his family were giving half the presents but with twice the love.
With love in our hearts the value or number of presents we give or receive does not matter one bit.
What matters is who we are with and how special we make them feel.
‘Love came down at Christmas, Love was born at Christmas’ we sing in the carol. The love God shows in the gift of Jesus to the world.
The peace and hope he gives to Christians help us not to despair for he is always with us in whatever lies ahead in 2023. May this most precious gift of all be received into our open hearts.
Southwell Minster is open to everyone and you will be most welcome to any of our services, or to come just to find a quiet place of peace over the busy Christmas season
GOOD news of great joy! You would be forgiven for feeling there wasn’t much good news around currently, writes Captain Matt Elsey, of Newark Salvation Army.
Whether it’s the ongoing war in Ukraine, the refugee crisis in many parts of our world, the political instabilities, or your own personal circumstances, it can be hard to see the good that is happening in the world.
However, Christmas is all about “good news!”
Whether it’s the devotion of the shepherds, the generosity of the wise men or the love shown by Mary, we see that God provides us with hope that there is good in our world.
But the best news of all is found in Jesus Christ coming to earth so that each one of us will know of the love, forgiveness, and compassion of God in our daily lives.
This is what motivates and inspires Christians to serve and care for their communities in a way that makes the good news visible in today’s world.
Luke 2 v 10 to 11: 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
I pray you experience the good news of Jesus this Christmas.
CHRISTMAS can often be a stressful time of year, writes Andrew Miller, of Newark Evangelical Church.
There are so many things to do, people to see and presents to buy, that it can all get overwhelming.
This year there is the added strain of the cost of living crisis, making us think twice about how much we can spend on loved ones and even how often we can put on the heating.
For some this crisis will be felt much deeper. There are families who do not have enough money left for food once all the bills have been paid.
With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and political unrest at home also casting a shadow, it seems that Christmas will not be so merry this year.
This is why we need to go back to the original Christmas message.
Way before turkey and tinsel, before Santa Claus and stockings, the first Christmas was a moment of hope in troubled times.
When the angels proclaimed the birth of Christ, they spoke of peace on earth and joy to all people.
This peace and joy is not dependent on events going on around us, or what we can bring to the season ourselves, but on God’s gift of a Saviour for a broken world.
