Christmas means different things to different people. For me, at its heart, it is the belief that in the Christ-child God shares our life, and his purpose in doing so is to change us. The first part of that statement can be experienced as a message of comfort: God in our midst, God knowing our every thought and desire, God sharing our joys and sorrows. The second part is more challenging. For the purpose of God coming among us is not to leave us where we are, or to cheer us up, or to help us to look on the bright side, but to change us, and help us to become the people he created us to be.

Reflecting over the last nine months as Interim Dean, it has been a privilege to share in the varied and dynamic life of the Cathedral. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for the way in which you welcomed me to this community, and the opportunities I have been given to worship and work with you, and to engage with the city and county…