22nd December 2011

We live in unusual times. The jolly man in the red suit delivering presents from the North Pole is facing stiff pressure from the man in the red van delivering presents from Amazon. It's good that we can rely on some things never to change. Like the police officers working through the holidays to keep us safe and the doctors and nurses who keep us healthy. And in particular our thoughts should be with the men and women of our armed forces who keep us from harm, even if it means serving far from home in places like Afghanistan. Families are separated from their loved ones and they must constantly be reminded even during the brief respites for church services and Christmas lunch that they are never far from danger. For the family and friends of those who paid the ultimate price the pain must always be there, but at this time of year it must seem unbearable. Such examples remind us how difficult peace and goodwill is to achieve - and questions how far our goodwill stretches when for the first time in thirteen years the forces face a pay cut.

We live in tough times, likely to get tougher. The Prime Minister told us so. In tough times we need more than ever the strength of our local community, to work together and not apart, and to demonstrate respect for those who serve the public and our country. Our thoughts should be with them at any time, but especially at this time of year. To them, you and your family let me wish you a Merry Christmas.