The Acting Bishop of Carlisle draws on the permanence and beauty of the Cumbrian fells in his new year message.

The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, who was filmed at Kendal Parish Church, recognises the difficulties and anxieties many people are facing as we begin 2025: due to war, unrest and financial or health problems.

However, Bishop Rob talks of the hope we have in God during times of trouble, adding: “One of the things that Christian faith allows us to do is to stare reality in the face and recognise anxiety and struggle. But our faith also does teach us that God is bigger than anything we might worry about.”

Referring to Psalm 121, he also draws on the imagery of our county’s famed fells which have witnessed so much over generations but which are dwarfed by God’s greatness.

Bishop Rob says: “The fells around about us may be a reminder of the permanence and trustworthiness of God in all circumstances, but God is bigger and more permanent even than the ground on which we walk.”

He concludes by reminding us that God will be with us all throughout the coming year, adding: “Our help comes from God, so no matter what the new year will bring, be it happy, hopeful, difficult or trouble, we know that the maker of heaven and earth, the one for whom nothing is too big, is our help and he walks at our side.”

To view Bishop Rob’s New Year message for 2025 visit the Diocese of Carlisle’s YouTube channel.

Notes to editors

A full transcript of Bishop Rob’s New Year message for 2025 is attached below.

“It feels like some time since we entered a new year with much confidence and hope, and for many this new year feels little different.

“With war in many places, a nervousness about both world and local events, and with many feeling the anxieties of finances and health, it might well be understandable if we weren’t really looking forward to a new year.

“Of course, the answer isn’t as simple as saying “All will be well.” One of the things that Christian faith allows us to do is to stare reality in the face and recognise anxiety and struggle. But our faith also does teach us that God is bigger than anything we might worry about.

“The writer of Psalm 121 says, ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?” In our beautiful county, we can think that the changeless fells which have seen generations, times of peace and times of trouble, come and go, are the reassurance that things will go on. But actually the psalmist says, ‘My help comes from God, the maker of heaven and earth.’

“The fells around about us may be a reminder of the permanence and trustworthiness of God in all circumstances, but God is bigger and more permanent even than the ground on which we walk.

“Our help comes from God, so no matter what the new year will bring, be it happy, hopeful, difficult or trouble, we know that the maker of heaven and earth, the one for whom nothing is too big, is our help and he walks at our side.

“May you know God’s peace, strength, friendship and hope in this new year.”

ENDS

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