Christmas, in the form of many packages from Up North, came to Liverpool. It is not what is in the parcels that matters. It is the message they bring. There is plenty of North further Up and in the East from whence came our gifts. It is 20 years since I left Tyneside for Sheffield. Since then, many changes, adventures, achievement, some joy, much grief. But Christmas still comes, bringing to each of us a flood of memories and mixed emotions. And love that lights dark nights.
This year it is hard to hear angel voices
through the agony in Gaza, the anger of Israel, fear in Ukraine, desperation in Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and in the heaving English Channel. Yet in the middle of our dreary winter which is getting warmer year on year, this is a moment to stop and nurture the light of hope lodged deep within that gives a reason to keep going, to still be here, to hear the angels sing.
