The Bishop of Ripon's message of peace and rest for a tired world

In her Christmas Day message for the Stray Ferret, the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, reflects on how the presence of Jesus in our lives can provide peace and rest at times when we feel tired.

I was visiting a fairly busy church on the 1st day of Advent for a carol service. One of the Acolytes, (the ones who hold the candles), looked a little weary. ‘How you doing?’, I said. ‘Tis the season to be…….. tired!’ was her reply - and that was just on day one.

I don’t know about you but I tend to feel quite tired this time of year. With long, dark nights I’m sure we’re meant to be like the very fat squirrels running around my garden at the moment and stuffing their faces with anything they can get their little paws onto.

Apparently they don’t hibernate but when it’s cold and dark they snuggle down to rest, keeping warm and cosy in their dreys. Instead we just keep on going regardless, and if anything get busier as Christmas gets near.

And it makes us tired. And we might be tired for all sorts of other reasons too. Tired of the windy and wet weather. Tired of too much work. Tired of hearing others moaning and groaning. Tired of feeling ill. Tired of all the bad news in the world. Tired of never having enough money. Tired of feeling…. tired.

In the Christmas story there are a lot of tired people that build up the scene. Mary and Joseph for starters, plodding to Bethlehem, Mary carried by a tired donkey.

Shepherds who had been awake all night keeping watch, then trekking from the hills to see what the angels had told them. The Magi, from far, far away, following a star to guide them.

The sleeping child in the manger

But one by one they all finally reach their destination to find in a manger, a sleeping, new born baby, sent from God. There is nothing more beautiful than gazing upon our child or grandchild as they sleep. Whatever day they or we have had, whatever cross words may have been said, when peace descends across our beloved’s face, we feel that peace too.

The prophet Isaiah prophesised about Jesus: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,"

Comfort in the words of Jesus

There is comfort in these words and also Jesus’ words later in life “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I shall give you rest.” Whether in church, with family, on a walk or in the pub, I hope and pray this Christmas you have a moment (in your mind’s eye) to sit at the manger and gaze upon the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ and find rest in that timeless, magical moment of wonder, awe and peace.

And I hope and pray you can somehow hold onto it. After all the shepherds left to return to the hills, the magi travelled a long but different route home and Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt, holding tightly to Jesus, to escape the pursuit of Herod’s murderous armies.

We won’t stop being tired or harried. But all year round we can hold tight to Jesus’ presence with us, and know peace and rest for our minds and souls, which can help us.

May the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas!