The Bishop of St Asaph, the Right Reverend Dr Gregory K Cameron reflects on where God fits into the excitement of 2012 as Britain prepares for the Olympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
His full New Year message reads:
2012 brings an Olympic Games in London and a Diamond Jubilee for the Queen. There will be much to celebrate. At the same time there will be economic challenges galore, and you and I are likely to find income going down and costs rising. Faced with this, what would be my top tips for the coming year?
First, let’s use the past as the key to unlock the future. Britain was always best when we stuck together, and we need that old team spirit not just in the Olympic Games, but in every street. Are you prepared to look out for the well-being of your neighbour, especially the old lady down the street and the needy mum around the corner? Can we work together to find our united voice on the issues that matter to us, whether it be the schooling of our kids, or the true support we need from our councils and governments?
Second, what are our values? Family, self-reliance, fair play? Can we add mercy, generosity, hospitality? Opening our hands in love will bring richer rewards than clenching them in worry.
Third – and you’d expect me to say this – is there room to invite God in there somewhere? And I mean really invite God in, and not just give a nod in his direction now and then. Faith challenges and offers hope – and it looks as if 2012 will need them. Stick together, be open-handed, find room for faith. It could be an exciting year.
