FACE masks have become part of our everyday attire. Often, as a result, we find ourselves in situations where we do not recognise each other - only able to connect once we make ourselves known.

At the heart of the Christmas message is the God who makes Himself known to the world He loves.

At Christmas, that powerful prose from John’s gospel will be read: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us."

Here, John points us to Jesus as God dwelling among us, making Himself known so that we might connect to Him.

However, it's worth considering the God who reveals Himself in the Christmas narrative.

He is born into the poverty of a manger, and the first to adore Him are shepherds and pagans from afar.

Here is a God who associates Himself with the lowly, a God who reaches out to all.

As the Church, God’s people, our role is to reveal Him to the world around us, reflecting His priorities and reaching out in love to all, regardless of status or past.

In our words and actions, we show the God who reveals Himself at Christmas.

Revd Dr Andrew Campbell

Rector of Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowncrommelin

Diocese of Connor