The Rt Rev’d Dr Jill Duff has released her Christmas message on behalf of Blackburn Diocese. In a message issued to all across the region, she promises that the perfect Christmas is unlikely to be achieved but that we should “Fear Not” because the antidote to fear is joy and that joy is found in the hope that we celebrate at Christmas.

The video message can be found here with the full transcript of the message below:

Are you ready for Christmas?

The dreaded question that can strikes fear into the most organised of hearts.

Did you know that 10% of our Christmas spending happens on Christmas Eve. That last minute this or that as we strive to manufacture the perfect Christmas day.

In these dark & dreary days, there’s something about the dazzling runway of bright lights and glossy adverts which lull me into thinking it’s got to be The Perfect Christmas Day. Tasteful presents, tasty food, toasting family & friends in tip top health.

Fear Not. I can guarantee you one thing now – wherever you are, whoever you are – it won’t be the perfect Christmas Day.

For some of us: it will be far from perfect. Through health, bereavement or family tensions….

The first Christmas day was far from perfect….  Mary, travelling 60 miles on a donkey to Bethlehem, heavily pregnant. No room at the inn.

But listen to the Scripture. Into the chaos, there’s a chorus: FEAR NOT. The Angel Gabriel to Mary: Fear Not. The Angel to Joseph in his dream: Fear Not. The Angel to the shepherds on the hills above Bethlehem: Fear Not. As the hymn puts it: “Fear not, said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled hearts. Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind”

Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther commented: you can’t stop the birds flying over your head but you can stop them nesting in your hair.” You can’t stop fears going round your head, but we all know when they are starting to nest in your hair.

What’s the antidote for fear? In the words of the angel to the shepherds: “Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2.10)

I have a quote from the Old Testament I use so often, that I was once sent a bunch of flowers as a thank you – no name just the reference Proverbs 31.25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs at the days to come”

The anti-dote to fear is Joy. To laugh at the days to come.

Perfect day WILL surely come. When heaven comes to earth. When one day God will live with us and we will see Jesus face to face. He will “wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21.4)

But as a foretaste, do join our church family this Christmas across Lancashire – you will find a very warm welcome. For your nearest C of E church: www.achurchnearyou.com

May I wish you all a very joyful Christmas!