Bishop of Norwich uses Christmas message to urge optimism in dark times

Reverend Graham Usher also encourages us to look at how global strife has been overcome before

Author: Tom ClabonPublished 24th Dec 2021

The Bishop of Norwich has urged us to take inspiration from how tough times have been over-come before, as part of his Christmas message.

Reverend Graham Usher says there's reasons to feel positive this Christmas: "As we go through another wave of the pandemic, the message of Christmas for each and everyone of us is that god is with us, with fingers prints and close to us. We carry him and we've invited to carry him in our hearts."

He went on to say that Christ came into a world that faced many of problems we do today: "Christmas this year like last will feel different. The world in which Jesus himself was born was a world of anxiety, fear of challenge and of difficulty.

"About 2,000 years before he was born, a Middle Eastern poet spoke about how light would come into the darkness. That gives me hope this Christmas that god comes in amongst us."

Reverend Usher concluded by encouraging us to remember the religious significance of the day: "Wherever you are, whatever you are doing I hope that you might find a time to join in a church Christmas service. I wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas."

Meanwhile the Mayor of King's Lynn and West Norfolk has also been reflecting on 2021.

Councillor Harry Humphrey has said this Christmas is a good time for everyone in our county to catch up with loved ones and reflect on the highs and lows of the year: "Christmas is a joyful time to be with friends and families, and most of all for children.

"Whatever religious or spiritual pathways you take in life, Brenda and I wish you all peace and happiness to fully enjoy this festive season, and a happy and healthy New Year."

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