There's the story told of how in the Western states of America in the 19th century there were some rough men working on the ranches who were cradled in the glens and crofts of Scotland. You might live with them for months and years, and never know that they remembered home. Only - there would be an evening and they would hear the strain of music --the words of a Scottish song carried in the moving wind - and the bagpipes playing a Highland air in the distance, and they would hear their distinctive sound - and on that restless company there would fall a quietness. You didn't need to be a prophet to discover that the pull for their native country was not dead.

I believe that is the case with our longing for God. He can be forgotten, but not easily destroyed. It is doubtful if we ever fully lose the awareness that there is something in our nature which cannot be satisfied with what is simply physical and material. Our spirits have deeper hunger and longing.

I believe atheism is on the lips rather than in the hearts of people. Even the most secular know moments when they sense that something is missing from their lives, and know times when they become aware that there is a Reality greater than themselves.

The Christmas event is all about that. It speaks of a God who enters the circle of our lives - not so obvious that He overwhelms us - but hidden and vulnerable - like music faintly in the distance, so that we have to strain to hear it.

So, I hope that once again we catch the message of Christmas. It's the most important news we'll hear this year - next year - anytime! Christmas is about God's love coming to be with us, to share His life with ours, and to offer us the key to our life now and our life forever.

Whatever life does or does not do to us and for us, the Christmas message is that God has placed unique value on our lives - simply by coming among us.

If we feel positive about life - He enriches us. If we feel negative about life - He supports and encourages us. God does that for us at Christmas. Love came at Christmas. You and I are loved!

So - as we look forward to Christmas and beyond - perhaps with many different hopes in our lives; within our families; where we work; where we play, or as we look forward - perhaps with apprehension at the international situation - let us ask God - "Give us peace".

May God's peace be your experience this Christmas.

On behalf of Christ Church Warwick, I take this opportunity to wish the people of Bermuda a Happy Christmas. God bless you and your family and friends.