Hereford and Worcester Bishops Emphasize Joy in Christmas Messages Amidst Global Challenges

The Christmas messages from the Bishops of Hereford and Worcester highlighted the significance of joy in periods of difficulty. Both the Right Reverend Lord Richard Jackson and the Right Reverend Martin Gorick made reference to the Middle East conflict within their respective messages. Bishop Jackson stated: “Christians can and will celebrate amid conflict in the holy land, on the frontlines in Ukraine, and in a newly-liberated Syria.” Bishop Gorick expressed that he was “so conscious of all the places in our world where people face danger, war, famine and disaster.” Bishop Jackson commenced his message by recalling his childhood Christmases, prior to his conversion to Christianity, and the happiness they provided him. He remarked: “Christmas interrupted a predictable routine with colour and life.” He continued: “Joy is often more powerful when it takes us by surprise. I’m surprised by joy when my 11-month-old grandson waves at me.” “Shepherds were surprised by joy as the angels sang. Mary and Joseph were filled with joy at their newborn son. The joy of Christmas is that God’s eternal plan to restore broken humanity is revealed in all its glory.” “Such joy is a source of inner strength.” He then posed the question: “Could we share our joy this year with the lonely and isolated?” Bishop Gorick initiated his message by reciting ‘I will light the candles this Christmas’, a poem authored by the theologian and civil rights activist Howard Thurman, whom the bishop described as someone who “knew so much about pain and injustice, about poverty and prejudice.” He stated: “Christmas can be a challenging time for many people, especially those grieving or bereaved, and those feeling real poverty in this country today,” subsequently considering individuals globally situated in conflict zones. He added: “Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, is just one of those places.” However, Bishop Gorick noted that Thurman’s poem also conveyed themes of hope, joy, courage, and the act of lighting candles in obscure locations. He concluded: “As we pray for peace and for justice in our troubled world,” adding, “I pray too for light and joy in our homes and in our hearts.” For updates, follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.