Rt Revd Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells, urges us to look out from our lives and to think of others this Christmas time.

Revd Hancock said: “Today I’m doing what I really enjoy doing, which is getting out and about. I’m in the community of Southdown and Whiteway and there’s some fantastic work with young people, people of all ages. I’ve been to a foodbank and been getting warmth and welcome and friendship. And, of course, I’m beginning to think about Christmas, which is not so far away now.

“Every year, my wife and I give our children – even though they are in their thirties – an advent calendar, and we’ve started doing the same for our grandchildren as well. It really makes Christmas for them, partly because it’s a countdown for Christmas, partly because of the chocolates you now get inside!

“I must be honest – when I was younger, I think advent calendars were much more exciting. Each day, you would open a window and there would be something there that got you ready for Christmas. Windows are important. Without them our houses would be very dark, so we have windows to let the light in, and we have windows in our houses so we can look out.

“Christmas is a very important time for us to be looking out. We are reminded through our news and our newspapers, from what we see amongst the lives of our communities, of how there are many who are struggling, struggling to make Christmas a joyful time.

“So, Christmas – a time to look out and think of the world and to pray for the peace of God’s world. It’s a joyful time, but for many people, it’s a tough time and lonely time too. And I ask myself each Christmas what can I do to make Christmas better for other people.

“But, also, the windows are there to let the light in, and that’s what the Christmas message is all about – letting the light of God, the light of Jesus, come into our hearts and our homes. Christmas is the time when we open our hearts to God’s love, and we let God’s love come to us so we can share that love with others.

“I don’t know where you’ll be over Christmas – I shall be out and about in lots of churches. You’ll get a very warm welcome if you wanted to join us at one of the churches in our diocese. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing – God bless you this Christmas time.”