Bishop of Exeter asks shoppers what Christmas really means to them
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison says he does not 'want to decry the commercialisation of Christmas' and 'fever of generosity'
The Bishop of Exeter has been asking shoppers what brings them joy as his Christmas message this year focuses on the importance of spending time with family and friends.
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, the most senior member of the clergy in Devon, has released a video of his vox pops here.
The Bishop said: "Time and time (I found) it was actually spending quality time with family and friends.
"There is something about this more than absolutely anything else which is an absolute priority and joy for people.
“I don’t want to decry the commercialisation of Christmas as I think there's something wonderful about people going out and in a fever of generosity seeking to find things as gifts for other people that they will enjoy and savour - that's a good thing to do I think.
"Let's keep the main thing, the main thing which is relationships and taking the time for those relationships both for one another and with our Lord."
Devon’s three bishops have also been having fun taking part in a social media video reels campaign over Advent: The 12 Joys of Christmas.
An interview with the Bishop can be found in our Behind The headlines podcast here as we report on the Devon markets trying to support start-up local entrepreneurs.