Pilgrim's Progress by Malcolm Chamberlain, Bishop of Wakefield: When it comes

While many of the big retailers have been gearing up for Christmas since the beginning of November, and you’re probably already a bit fed up of Christmas TV adverts (don’t despair, it won’t be long before we get the usual adverts for summer holidays!), I remain convinced that we should not run headlong into Christmas as soon as December arrives, but should relish the season of Advent.

It’s not easy, though, is it? Advent is an incredibly busy season, full of growing anticipation and excitement as we get nearer to Christmas. It’s a season of often frantic preparation for the celebration to come. If you’re anything like me, you get to the middle of November and think “no need to panic, there’s plenty of time” and then, before you know it, you’re right up against the clock in getting ready for Christmas – cards, presents, arrangements with family, ordering the turkey, tree and so on. And it’s not long before the inevitable question arrives on your lips… “where on earth did the year go?!”

But Advent is not simply a season in which we prepare for Christmas. It is the season in which Christians are reminded of our future hope that Jesus will return to establish God’s rule of love, justice and peace – the whole of creation restored.

Christians dwell again on this during Advent, recognising their call as followers of Jesus to live that reality in the here and now; to be a people of hope who act in love towards others, work and speak out for justice, serve those most in need, and pursue peace in our relationships, our communities and throughout the world.

Whether you are a person of faith or not, why not take some time during the build-up to Christmas to reflect on how you can live these values that our world so needs, and when it does finally arrive I hope that you and those you love have a wonderful Christmas.