The Bishop's Letter: December

Last Updated on Tuesday, 07 February 2012 16:43

An early Christmas present

Almost everyone who reads this will be writing Christmas Cards in December.  Spare a thought for the Bishop!  In my official and personal capacity I send around 600 cards every year.  It’s a task I normally enjoy, providing there is a fire burning and some music playing in the room, the first mince pie(s) of the season and a glass of something or other.

Sending and receiving cards is part of the way we prepare.  We send love and greetings to family, friends and colleagues as a way of reminding each other that we are connected.  All of us belong to a wider community which spreads in many different directions.  Some of our ties are strong and some are weak but at this time of year they are all important.

The cards also remind us that as Christians we are part of the long story of God’s people.  The cards we send as Christians are part of our witness to that story.   We are reminding each other of the beginning of our story: the great narrative of Christ’s birth.  For that reason, like many Christians, I try to make sure that the pictures on the cards I send tell part of the Christmas story.  This is the story which gives meaning to our lives and which speaks of God’s love and light in the midst of darkness.

This year I’ve put a verse into the Christmas card.  I love to write new things and this is an attempt at a new Christmas carol, based on the much loved passage at the beginning of John’s gospel, “In the beginning was the word”.   Those who normally have a card from me, look away now!  But if you don’t then here is an early Christmas present.

May God be with you as you prepare for the Christmas season and celebrate Christ’s birth

+Steven Sheffield

Word who was before time

Word through whom worlds came.

Word with God and of God

Eternally the same.

Wisdom and power, creation's mighty flow

Taking flesh among us, dwelling here below.

Life is in the Word's light

Fruitful life for all.

Light is in the Word's life

Cradled in the stall.

Shining in darkness, banishing all fear

Taking flesh among us, God's own Son draws near.

Word of God incarnate

Dwelling on the earth.

We behold his beauty,

Wonder at his birth.

Grace, truth and glory, shaping Jesus life

Taking flesh among us, come to end our strife.

Steven Croft, 2011

(from John 1.1-11)

Tune: Noel Nouvalet (Now the green blade riseth)