The Bishop of Penrith focuses on a theme of hospitality in his annual Christmas message.

The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh was filmed at Rydal Hall, the Diocese of Carlisle’s Christian Retreat and Conference Centre near Ambleside, where staff are preparing for their usual busy Christmas period.

Bishop Rob, who is acting Diocesan Bishop following the retirement of the Bishop of Carlisle earlier this year, explains: “There’s a lot about hospitality in the Christmas story. Perhaps not the famous nativity play scene of innkeepers saying there’s no room, but Mary and Joseph’s welcoming of Jesus. Despite the danger and difficulty, it could bring, they said ‘yes’ to God and welcomed Jesus into their family. Through Jesus, through their ‘yes’, God redeemed the whole world.”

Rydal Hall has been providing Christian hospitality to people of all faiths or none since 1963 and is situated in more than 30 acres of beautiful grounds.

Bishop Rob is filmed chatting with staff and in his message also reflects on God’s invitation to know His love through Jesus.

He adds: “There is also God’s hospitality to us. His invitation and welcome to you and me, no matter who we are, to come and be part of his family. This is the great welcome of God, made possible through Jesus.”

Bishop Rob concludes by encouraging people to consider God’s welcome and, in turn, how they will welcome others into their lives. His message can be viewed on the Diocese of Carlisle’s YouTube channel.

Notes to editors

A full transcript of Bishop Rob’s Christmas message for 2023 is attached below.

“We're filming this year's Christmas message here at Rydal Hall, the Diocese's Christian Retreat and Conference Centre. While many of us are looking forward to some rest and relaxation over Christmas, the staff here are approaching one of their busiest times, providing rich hospitality to all their guests, just as they do throughout the year.

There’s a lot about hospitality in the Christmas story. Perhaps not the famous nativity play scene of innkeepers saying there’s no room, but Mary and Joseph’s welcoming of Jesus. Despite the danger and difficulty, it could bring, they said ‘yes’ to God and welcomed Jesus into their family. Through Jesus, through their ‘yes’, God redeemed the whole world.

And there is also God’s hospitality to us. His invitation and welcome to you and me, no matter who we are, to come and be part of his family. This is the great welcome of God, made possible through Jesus.

What will we say? Will we say yes to God’s welcome and invitation? Will we say yes to what God wants to do in us and through us? Will we welcome others, no matter who they are, just as God welcomes us?

May you know God’s wonderful hospitality this Christmas and share that with others.”

ENDS

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