A Christmas message from Bishop Nigel

"2009 has been the International Year of the Child. Throughout the last 12 months, Suffolk has enjoyed a series of events which have showcased what young people can do when they are moved by a creative spirit, culminating in the BIG Crib exhibition at the beginning of Advent.

 

Schools from across the county were encouraged to think very widely and very imaginatively about portraying the classic picture of the Holy family in the stable at the time of the birth of Jesus. Some of the cribs and their models were bigger than life-size. The extraordinary power of the Christmas story caught young people's imagination and they wanted to work so hard to portray it.

We need to think again, in this Year of the Child, about the God who came to us, a small vulnerable child, dependant on his parents. It shows both the care God has for the human race, for this world and his care for the youngest and most vulnerable in society.

I hope this Christmas that people perhaps think what extra they might do to support some charity, some cause, some local organisation which particularly cares for families and for children.

Christmas is a time when we celebrate and indulge ourselves. But I hope that we can also put something aside to help those less well off. Recall that nativity scene, when God came to us as a very vulnerable baby and offer our support and care for the most defenceless in society."