Cast aside fear and be joyful, says the Dean of Ripon in his Christmas message

In a Christmas Day message for the Stray Ferret, the Very Reverend John Dobson, the Dean of Ripon, urges people to put away anxiety and worry — and extends a welcome to join him the cathedral’s annual Boxing Day pilfrimmage to Fountains Abbey.

Fear not!

‘Fear not!’ This is what the angel Gabriel said to Mary. It’s what the angel said to the shepherds above Bethlehem. Mary was told she had found favour with God and would have a baby. The shepherds received a message of “great joy for all people”, and the heavenly host could say: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours.” Wonderful! But fear not?

Putting away anxiety, worry and even mild concern is easier said than done. Usually when people tell us not to worry it’s because we have something to worry about. And to be fair, Mary had plenty to worry about – an unmarried young woman, she was to have a baby. And St. Luke in his gospel makes it clear that at the sight of the angel, the shepherds were “terrified”. Well, wouldn’t we be terrified?

As the song goes, ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’. It’s been feeling a lot like Christmas in the cathedral for weeks, as we have hosted and led many carol services and concerts for schools, charities and community groups. The prospect of all the detailed planning and execution could so easily be terrifying for our wonderful staff and volunteers. But we love doing it. It gives an opportunity to spread joy and help focus many thousands of people on the message of Christmas. I always think it a gift that the season of Christmas – with its celebration of God’s unfailing presence and love – sees the end and beginning of years. 

Reflecting on the past 12 months, there has been no shortage of bad news in the world, in our country and probably in the communities of which we are a part. Many will have had real sadnesses and challenges in their personal lives. Consequently, we might think we have a lot to worry about when looking forward into the unknown of 2026. The message of Christmas is, ‘Fear not!’

In the child of Bethlehem, the God of heaven showed his true nature. As one Christmas carol puts it, ‘Love came down at Christmas’. And as one bishop once put it: “God is as he was in Christ, therefore there is hope.” The point of Christmas is that in all the ups and downs of life, in the good times and in the challenging times, God is with us – Emmanuel. Yes, Mary, though afraid, did cope with giving birth to the Son of God – God was with her. Yes, the shepherds did manage to take courage and visit the holy Child – God was with them. The message of Christmas is that God continues to be faithful to us and in his love will be with us in 2026, come what may. Fear not!

You are very welcome to join us at Ripon Cathedral for any of our Christmas services, or for the annual Boxing Day pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey. Details can be found on our website here. 

I pray that you and your loved ones will have a happy Christmas.