Dear Friends, 

December can seem a very dark and dreary month. Nights are closing in more and more and the weather can be pretty foul.

We have just had the heaviest rainfall ever recorded with flooding, especially in Cumbria. We go to work or school in the dark and come home in the dark.

This year we have been through financial crises with nationally ever increasing debt, and growing unemployment, with not much hope for young people to find gainful employment, and unlike most countries we are still in recession.

It has also been a terrible year for our troops in Afghanistan where we have sustained heavy losses.

The message of Christmas is one of light and hope in a world of darkness and despair. For a moment we can have a glimpse of a better life and a message of peace and goodwill to all mankind. God the Creator and Sustainer of all things, loves his creation and every one of us. To show us his love he sends his son, Jesus, born as a baby  in Bethlehem, to show us through his life how to live our lives. It may seem a little mushy to be wallowing over a little baby born in an insignificant stable, but that little child is God incarnate. Through Jesus we know what God is like. He gives us all hope and light in these very dark days.
Our carols and services are uplifting at this Christmastide.

 My prayers and best wishes,

 Fr. Philip Edge - Vicar.