Let us keep this season of peace goodwill going in these dark times: A Christmas message from the Vicar of Spalding, Rev John Bennett

The Vicar of Spalding, Rev John Bennett has called on residents to extend the season of goodwill as the country finds itself in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Rev John was writing about the challenges facing us all in his Christmas message, which you can read below...

This is always the darkest time of the year.

For many people this winter will feel darker than ever with worry about rising prices and especially the cost of keeping warm.

Christmas celebrations bring light into our hearts.

We would do well not to pack away the spirit of Christmas too early in the New Year.

Let us keep the season of peace and goodwill going.

Kindness, patience, understanding, and forgiveness are gifts we continue to give one another.

On Christmas Eve in Spalding Parish Church, we sang 'Lord the Light of Your Love is Shining; in the midst of the darkness shining'.

People come to church every day to light a candle, because they want to keep light shining in whatever darkness they are facing.

They trust that even a tiny light is stronger than deep darkness.

I pray that you will be blessed with the light of faith and hope this Christmas, and see the darkness lift as we go forward into 2023.