In his Christmas column, Jacob Rees Mogg MP writes:

'The people that walked in darkness, hath seen great light'. Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ and the theme of light is one that recurs constantly in the explanation of the arrival of Christ. The opening of St. John's Gospel is not a record of events in Bethlehem but of the Word being made flesh and dwelling among us. The Word brings light into the darkness.

In this most difficult of years, the prospect of light defeating darkness, of good overcoming evil, is particularly relevant. It has been a year when hope has been unfulfilled and the darkness created by an unknown enemy has seemed close. For a period, even the churches were shut in a forlorn reminder of the interdict placed on England by Pope Innocent III against the godless King John. This background may make it hard to realise that the light of Christ is upon us and that the commemoration of it is all the more important.

Christmas will be difficult for many people this year, the solitary will be more lonely and families will not be able to come together with their friends in the way that they have been accustomed to. Yet, the light of Christ is there for all and can sustain each one of us. There is hope, not just of next year bringing vaccines and the re-opening of the economy but of the eternal salvation that is brought by the the light overcoming darkness, life defeats death.

'A little child is born to us, and a son is given to us, and a principality is made upon his shoulders'. This is the light of the world that brings God directly into our homes and hearts and gives us the strength to persevere in troubled times.