The Bishop of Carlisle focuses on the warmth of God’s love in his annual Christmas message.

The Rt Rev James Newcome was filmed at a ‘Warm Spot’ in Keswick, one of more than 130 which have been registered across Cumbria as people contend with rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis.

Bishop James draws on the ‘warmth’ which lies at the heart of the Christmas story, adding: “I think it’s really appropriate that we should be here, in a warm community space, for this purpose. The warmth of God’s love, the fire of his spirit, doesn’t just reach into church buildings. As we’re so often reminded, in the words of our ecumenical vision for Cumbria, God is for All: that is, for everyone, everywhere. And being here prompts me to recall that God is concerned about every aspect of our lives: the material as well as the spiritual, and the practical as well as the philosophical. As human beings we are made up of Body, Mind and Spirit; and the Incarnation; God becoming man in Jesus; the Word made flesh; the birth of Jesus tells us that all three of these aspects of our existence really matter to him.”

He also reflects on the work of individuals and charities who are supporting those who may otherwise go without food, are housing refugees or combating loneliness.

He says: “In all of it we see the warmth of God’s love reflected in human-beings. Of course, it would be better if none of those things were needed; but they are, and we are so grateful for them.”

Bishop James concludes by praying for the “warmth of God’s love” to flood into people’s hearts this Christmas. It can be viewed on the Diocese of Carlisle’s YouTube channel.

Notes to editors

• A full transcript of Bishop James’ Christmas message for 2022 is attached below.

“We’re recording this year’s Christmas message in one of Cumbria’s Warm Spots drop-in centres. It’s in Keswick (where I live) and as you can see it’s proving a popular venue. Of course, it’s open to anyone, so people are here for a variety of reasons: but the cost of living – and especially heating – crisis must be one of those reasons: and even when it isn’t, we’re all grateful for the warmth on another very cold day.

And ‘warmth’ is an important theme in the Bible. The warmth of God’s love is like the rays of the sun; and Jesus baptises with the Holy Spirit and with ‘fire’, a fire which burns out what is rotten and ignites passionate commitment and care. That warmth is also what lies at the heart of the familiar Christmas story, in which we see God’s extraordinary ‘love for the world’ expressed – definitively – in the birth of a child; and the whole history of the Christian Church is an account of that warmth spreading out from Bethlehem to the ends of the earth.

So, I think it’s really appropriate that we should be here, in a warm community space, for this purpose. The warmth of God’s love, the fire of his spirit, doesn’t just reach into church buildings. As we’re so often reminded, in the words of our ecumenical vision for Cumbria, God is for All: that is, for everyone, everywhere. And being here prompts me to recall that God is concerned about every aspect of our lives: the material as well as the spiritual, and the practical as well as the philosophical. As human beings we are made up of Body, Mind and Spirit; and the Incarnation; God becoming man in Jesus; the Word made flesh; the birth of Jesus tells us that all three of these aspects of our existence really matter to him.

That’s why all three should also really matter to us – including the conditions in which people live as well as their emotional welfare, mental health and spiritual well-being. So warm centres like this gladden God’s heart; as do Foodbanks and organisations that provide affordable housing and people who house refugees from Ukraine and Syria and the work of Crisis at Christmas and other charities – and so on. Thankfully, it’s a long list – and in all of it we see the warmth of God’s love reflected in human-beings. Of course, it would be better if none of those things were needed; but they are, and we are so grateful for them.

The same applies to groups such as ‘Linking Lives’ and – here in Keswick – ‘Two’s Company’, as they wrestle with the ever-growing issue of loneliness; and to those campaigning about some of the malign influences which are affecting the mental health of our young people (some of whom I had the privilege of meeting recently in Parliament). And it applies also to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as so many in our society crave a deeper spiritual experience and search for meaning and purpose in their lives. That will be happening this Christmas – as always – in a church near you as carols are sung and Christingles are celebrated.

Which gives me the opportunity to pray that the warmth of God’s love will flood into your heart this Christmas; and that you may know His indescribable peace in these most turbulent times.”

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.