Last weekend, I mingled with the world and his friend and his dog (no, actually, dogs were forbidden) at the renowned Medieval Christmas market in Lincoln. Amongst all the predictable tat there was evidence that Christmas is Alive. Carols filled the mulled wine scented open air and hundreds thronged into the Cathedral (if only for a sit down and a bit of warmth).

In this so – called ‘post Christian’ Britain, I sense there is a turning of the tide. People want to hold on to traditional Christmas values. Let the PC lobby have their ‘Winter Fests’ – the vast majority still want the mystery and the wonder of the Christmas message. It is being reported that sales of religious Christmas cards are soaring as shoppers rediscover the real meaning of the season. There is evidence of an increase in the number of people attending church. Tear Fund report that more than 25% adults attend church at least once a year. Whether it is the economic down turn that challenges people to look for dependable meaning in life, this is certainly true:  ‘Wise men (and women) still search for Jesus!’

To all Worship Academy Students, past and present

A Very Happy Christmas!

Chris Bowater