So this is Christmas

There are many reminders of what Christmas is. The star or the angel on the Christmas tree; the hat in the shape of the crown in the Christmas cracker; the dove or the carol singers on the Christmas cards; the lights on our tree or in our street; the nativity scenes or plays in our homes and schools; the gifts we give to one another and the love and generosity we share.

For Christians, it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, when God became man bringing joy, peace and hope and a new way for people to love one another.

As the lyrics of John Lennon's song say let us hope for a year and a world without fear and no fighting, where everyone young and old, rich and poor, strong and weak and people from all nations can live without fear and end lets have an end to all wars.