In her Christmas Day message for the Stray Ferret, the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, reflects on a tough year for the country — but adds that we should be drawn by hope not fear.

A few days before Christmas, I picked up my new glasses. Acquiring varifocals has taken a bit of self-persuasion, as a good deal of my pride got in the way with various phrases-in-my-head associated with the march of time, and getting older.

Plus, I had heard various stories of people wandering about in a fog, and tripping up going downstairs. Too many obstacles in the way then became another phrase-in-the-head.

An Advent carol service in Ripon Cathedral at the end of November rather sealed the deal however, when I struggled to read the words in the service sheet, and realised I would have to do something about it before Christmas.

So, I took myself off to the opticians and after lots of reassurance took the plunge, and thus far I have to say my varifocals have transformed my perspective on all things near and far and everything in-between, and I haven’t tripped up going down the stairs, yet.

The cost however was another matter altogether: eye-watering is one way of describing it, and this seems a reasonable if not necessary starting point for thinking about Christmas, for looking back and looking ahead as I prepare to leave my role as Bishop of Ripon and become Bishop of Newcastle in the new year.

Pandemic, cost of living, war, uncertainty (insert personal or family list here), a failing economy, strikes. Each one of us will have been impacted by all of these issues, for in many ways they are all inter-related.

In the latter part of this year, I waited anxiously by my phone to hear news of my father who thankfully has come through open-heart surgery and is on a slow road to recovery. I give thanks for the incredible skill of the medical team who cared for him, who work under such pressure day by day.

Perspective is everything when it comes to the Christmas message of God becoming one of us in a weak and vulnerable new-born child. Right there is the whole point of what I believe, and what I seek to do in my role as a Bishop.

It’s because of that narrative that I am drawn by hope and not driven by fear (even if I have to convince myself some days).

And yet it’s not down to me alone, definitely not!  I know that my own perspective has been enriched, challenged and illuminated by so many people and communities who don’t form part of the formal church structures that shape my daily life. Perhaps most of the all the running community: Ripon Runners, Fountains Abbey parkrun in particular.

It is here that I have felt most alive and encouraged: a reminder to me that in my own outward facing role finding the things that nurture and keep me active are vital to who I am and what I do. And I hope I have brought something of the light and peace of God to them too.

You can’t put a price on kindness and gratitude, and that I have received in abundance. Thanks be to God.

Happy Christmas everyone, and all the very best for 2023.

Read more:

• Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: ‘I shouldn’t need this – but it’s a lifesaver’


• Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: ‘We had good jobs but we were still struggling’


• Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: ‘My life collapsed like a wicket’