Special messages from Peterborough’s faith leaders at Christmas

- The Very Rev Chris Dalliston, Dean Of Peterborough:

“It’s been a year like no other – and of course Christmas will also be very different this year.

For one thing we’re not allowed to sing carols in the Cathedral – or in any of our churches – but the words of the chorus of one of those carols has nevertheless been playing in my mind these last few days: ‘Good tidings of comfort and joy’.

Amidst all the challenges we face we can and should look forward to Christmas and to find in our celebrations the comfort and joy that old carol talks about.

Joy - in the company of family and friends, even if we can’t get together or party as we might like to.

Comfort - from the hope of the deployment of the vaccine and the prospect of a healthier and happier new year.

And comfort and joy both, in the Christmas message that God is one with us and in Jesus has shared in the vulnerability and challenges we all face, from the moment of his birth in a draughty stable, to the day of his death on a windswept hill.

That he understands our vulnerability and our loss but also offers us love, strength and hope of new beginnings.

We’ve all been in awe of the care and professionalism of our NHS and other essential workers throughout this, oh so tough, year, and I’ve been amazed at how resilient, generous and kind the people of Peterborough have been in so many ways.

So, whatever your faith or belief, our prayer at the Cathedral will be that God may come close, that you may experience a measure of that comfort and joy in your homes and among your families this Christmas and that we may continue to live out those values in whatever the new year holds.

A Happy and Joyful Christmas to everyone!”

- Father Adam Sowa, parish priest of St Peter and All Souls church:

“Christmas is a time filled with Christian hope. Soon will we begin the new calendar year 2021 asking the new-born Baby Jesus for many Blessings upon many communities of our City and each one of us.

May this be a year of grace, peace, and charity.

The greatest charity we all experience is from God, who did not hesitate to give us Baby Jesus, Saint Joseph, and Mother Mary.

For many of us, Christmas will be celebration with our family and friends as we appreciate these gifts that God has given.

For many others, however it will be tinged with sadness as we remember the death of a loved one with whom we can no longer share this special time.

So, this year Christmas will be a time of both joy and sorrow for so many.

Hardship, sickness, fatigue, isolation, unemployment, homelessness, and the pandemic crisis will mark our celebration.

But this is exactly why Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. This child who is our Lord and God, suffered poverty in a cave, rejection, and isolation with his mother Mary and Saint Joseph.

God has emptied himself of all glory and pleasure, to feel what it is like to be us.

He reaches down into our imperfect world, and then draws us up to himself, to show us the destiny he intended for each one of us when he created us: eternal life with himself in perfect happiness in heaven.

Eternal happiness is not to be found here on earth. So, God consoles us when we adore Crib and from these precious moments of heavenly bliss, we draw the hope for the future.

Whatever your personal circumstances you find yourself in right now, remember that Jesus Christ was born for you.

- Abdul Choudhuri, chair of Peterborough Joint Mosques Council:

“Iam delighted to send a Christmas message on behalf of the Muslim communities of Peterborough, to all Christian people in Peterborough and elsewhere and wish them merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous new Year.

It is worth noting that all Muslims believe in Prophet Jesus peace be upon him as Prophet of God.

Sadly, this year people will not be able to celebrate Christmas in the usual way due to Covid 19, as they have been celebrating previously.

Muslim communities were also unable to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him on 29th of October due to Covid 19 as it was important to obey the Government’s guidelines to protect themselves and others from this dreadful virus.

Although many people have been effected by Covid 19 during the past nine months - several people lost their loved ones and friends and many people have been ill due to Coronavirus - it was pleasing to know, however, that people of all faiths and no faiths were so caring and helpful for the most vulnerable, needy and homeless people in Peterborough.

I am delighted to say that during this pandemic period Muslim communities - Mosques, businesses, takeaways, restaurants, political activists, welfare associations and individuals worked extremely hard to supply food and other essentials items to the vulnerable and homeless people every day of the week without any break along with other organisations.

Teaching of Christianity through Prophet Jesus peace be upon him and of Islam through Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him is to love, care and help the needy and vulnerable people.

It is pleasing to know that the people of Peterborough have fully acted upon on such teaching with full dignity and no doubt they will carry on such noble deeds in the future as well.

It is indeed very sad that in the 21st century, people have to live on ‘foodbanks’ without having proper shelter over their heads while billions of pounds is being spent on ‘warfare products’ instead of fighting poverty and disease and providing shelters over their heads around the world.

Let us all spread the message of love and care, not hate and selfishness, for the most needy people not only at Christmas time but all the time.

Follow the government’s guidelines, stay safe and enjoy Christmas.

Let us pray and hope that we have prosperous 2021.