The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Lake, has shared a heartfelt Christmas message during a visit to Salisbury District Hospital.
Speaking from the hospital chapel, where he met with one of the hospital chaplains, Revd Steve Hawkes, Bishop Stephen reflected on the many people who will spend Christmas this year visiting loved ones in hospital, caring for those who are unwell, or supporting neighbours, family and friends who may be lonely or bereaved. His message also included a special focus on all those who will be working over the Christmas period providing essential services, especially NHS staff, carers and the chaplaincy team.
“This Christmas is going to be different for my family,” he said. “We’re a very Christmassy family, and two of our three children work in the National Health Service. They’ll be working this Christmas – doing their duty, standing alongside.”
Revd Hawkes shared what Christmas Day looks like for the chaplaincy team: “We generally try to get round to as many wards as we can, and literally just let people know that we are here. We’re here to spread love, the love of God, in whatever way they feel most appropriate.”
Bishop Stephen offered his thanks to all NHS staff, volunteers and carers who give their time at Christmas, and acknowledged that the festive season can bring both joy and challenge.
“My prayer at Christmas is for all who will rejoice in these days, but at the same time will find them often difficult times as well,” he said. “We need not be alone at Christmas, because the essential message is that Jesus visits us at Christmas. The word is made flesh; God coming to be alongside us in our humanity.”
He concluded with a message of hope: “This Christmas, wherever you are, whoever you are with, whoever you are able to visit and to stand alongside, Jesus, the Saviour of the world, will come to you.”