Bishop of Salisbury releases Christmas message for Dorset
Bishop Stephen Lake thanks foodbank volunteers for supporting others
Last updated 24th Dec 2023
The Bishop of Salisbury has shared his message for Christmas, recognising the 'challenging times' facing many people at home, and around the world.
Bishop Stephen Lake, whose Diocese includes most of Dorset, says the importance of the festive season is in knowing we're not alone.
And he's been thanking volunteers at one local charity after another busy year - paying a visit to a foodbank.
Bishop Stephen said it was a 'privilege to meet those working so hard to support others'.
In his festive address to the Diocese, he also urged us all to remember the joy contained in the promise of Christmas, the birth of Jesus – that we are not alone:
“It’s a very different Christmas this year with so much of concern in our world. And it’s into that world that Jesus Christ is born, the Word made flesh, God with us. And for me, that’s what makes Christmas real and meaningful. That God came to us and shares our life.
“And in many ways, it’s just as simple as that. We celebrate these days because this greatest gift to humanity is about God coming and being part of us in our human existence. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas, that’s the real joy, that God is not far away, that God does not, not understand, God here, is with us.”