I pen this Christmas message from a hospital room at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The person I am visiting, when asked how she is, said: “I am blessed.”

Blessed and thankful to have a family, blessed to be cared for in a world where there is so much suffering and loneliness.

It is all about perspective.

We can see nothing but darkness, pain, and feel ourselves overwhelmed and anxious and often for very good reasons; or we can see other things around us — goodness, joy, blessings.

Our fear is that there is no one “out there”, no purpose, no hope — but the Christmas message when fully understood gives us reason to celebrate, to experience joy and gratitude even when the clouds roll in.

In God’s eyes, we were worth creating and in spite of ourselves, worth recreating.

So much so, he decided on an “in person” rescue mission.

People living in darkness have seen a great light. But it was not a light that blinded and overwhelmed us but a light that shone through our humanity in all of its glory and frailty.

He came. He came like one of us — and I mean in such a way that he could relate to all from the refugee to the great heads of state.

It was in the darkness of the first Christmas that the light of angels shone to announce to the world the news of his presence in a form that could not be more weak and helpless — as a human baby.

At the end of his life on Earth, he was thrust into Godforsaken darkness to break its power while naked on a cross.

Living he showed us how to live. Dying he showed us how to die.

In rising to life again, he broke the stranglehold of death and darkness. And now, where anyone reaches out to him to receive him, he comes still.

In Bethlehem this year, the churches have decided to hold muted and reflective services to mark the darkness in the streets of Israel/Palestine. But still they gather in thanksgiving for the gift that shines like no tree or glitter can do — with the eternal love of God.

The darker the night, the brighter the light and the more welcome the dawn.

May your hearts and homes be filled with the inner light of God’s love and presence, and as you see things through his eyes of expectant hope, may you too be able to remember your blessings with thanksgiving.

Equally, and wherever you have opportunity, surprise those around you who may find this time of year dark and miserable with a blessing, give them a reason to see the world through God’s eyes.

May God’s richest blessings be yours this Christmas tide and throughout the year ahead from me and my family to you and yours.