THE Bishop of Burnley, The Right Rev John Goddard, has spoken of the love around at Christmas and the significance of giving and receiving presents.

He said: "Christmas speaks of gifts and receiving. Behind the gift is the person's wanting to continue to grow and love in friendship with us.

"We take the present, rip off the paper and the gift is ours.

"The greatest gift is God's love embraced in his mercy, justice and generosity, given to us for free.

"The Son of God, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, comes to us and shows us how we can receive and live out that peace upon Earth, that justice for all, that's celebrating God's love.

"All we have to do is receive this gift and, in receiving it, live out that sharing with God, in Christ, with all people.

"Too few people take the wrapping off God's present. They leave it on the side and yet God's Christmas gift of love in Christ is the only way you and I and the world will know peace and justice.

"So let it begin with us, receiving and acting upon the present given to us by God, sharing it with others and so changing the little world in which we live and, please God that we begin the change in the whole world.

"Have a good Christmas, rejoice in your presents and above all rejoice in God made man in Jesus Christ."

THE new Bishop-Elect of Blackburn has sent his Christmas greetings to the town and says he is looking forward to stepping into his new role.

The Venerable Nicholas Reade, currently Archdeacon of Lewes and Hastings, will take up the post of Bishop of Blackburn in March next year.

He said: "Wise men came from the East to greet the Lord Jesus. Your new Bishop from the South sends Christmas greetings to you all and looks forward to being with you in March.

"Have a great time this Christmas, but do remember there would be no Christmas if, 2,000 years ago, God had not become human in Jesus Christ.

"We have every reason to rejoice because we have a 'hands-on' God - not remote, cold or impersonal, but one who has shared our human life, and who knows each one of us by name, and holds on to us and loves each one of us personally.

"He invites those of us who are looking forward to a comfortable celebration to show some real care for those less fortunate at this time.

"For me and Christine, my wife, soon after Christmas will hold a special new beginning as we move north to start a new life in Lancashire.

"We are really excited, but like those wise men setting out on a long journey, a little apprehensive, because none of us knows exactly what a new post, a new place to live in, or a new year will have in store.

"What I do believe is that whatever goes on around us, the one thing that can never change is the love of God. As God trusted Himself in love to us on earth at Christmas, so we can confidently place our trust in Him for the future.

"Have a happy Christmas, and may the New Year bring you many blessings."

ARCHDEACON of Blackburn the Ven John Hawley, said: "We have a wonderful focus on children at Christmas, but this sometimes distracts us from recognising the vulnerable, lonely and elderly. When God came to this world in Jesus, he showed his love for, and gave dignity to every human being."

DEAN of Blackburn the Very Rev Christoher Armstrong, said: "Christmas is a hectic celebration of Christ's birth and I love it!

"The essence of Christmas is a mystery - of the all powerful God among us in human form. How can anyone understand, let alone express it? It is not surprising then there are so many different interpretations of that event, either secular or religious. The Christmas mystery joins the two together."

SIMON Bessant, Director for Mission, Blackburn Diocese, said: "Happy families at Christmas? Hopefully yes. But if yours isn't all that some people think that it ought to be, it really doesn't matter.

"For at the first Christmas God gave his son into a family that might well have had its own problems. And if they were good enough for Him, I am sure He will not give up on the rest of us. Everyone is welcome at church."

THE Rev Dale Barton, Lancashire Inter Faith Officer: "Last week the capture of Saddam and the conviction of Ian Huntley reminded me of the evil around me and within me. I could despair when I think of their cruelty because I have to admit that I am capable of cruelty too.

"God restores me in hope when I take time to worship with others and pray. The birth of Jesus is the guarantee that this hope is real, not an illusion. Happy Christmas to you."

FATHER Jim McCartney, Chief Executive of THOMAS (Those on the Margins of a Society), which is opening a base in Burnley, said: "As we gather with our families and friends this Christmas let us keep in our thoughts and prayers those who are still struggling with their drug and alcohol addiction.

"Many are separated from their loved ones; their vulnerability is exposed to our community.

"Let's keep hope alive. I wish you all a happy Christmas."