Faith

Joy is bigger than happiness, because joy is the very gift of God, which he gives freel. It is not dependent on the kind of weather we get here in Yorkshire, today is dry, tomorrow is wet and foggy and you can’t see your way.

Why is it a wonderful thing? Because in God, we are told in the Gospel of John, that Jesus is life, and because he is life he gives light. Light which banishes darkness, which banishes fear. Guides, leads and protects, because it’s the very light of God.

So on this Christmas Day have a little bit of thought about how can I get this joy? This gift of God which will help me to banish my fears when the turkey is all over and the wine is no longer in the cupboard, where is it going to come from? Focus not on just yourself but on God and on your neighbour

Happy Christmas

Most Reverend John Sentamu
Archbishop of York