Faith

It's the carol service season. I've been to quite a few and enjoyed them all in their different ways. But my favourite by far was this week in Reading jail.

These young lads will not be home at Christmas.

And yes of course they are there because of what they have done,. but it is also so important that they learn that life is not predetermined.

There is not an unchangeable script that says, because you did this and because you are here, that you are somehow branded, finished.

It doesn't have to repeat itself, things can change.

And that's where the Christian faith comes in, and that's where the chapel in Reading jail and the chaplaincy team make such an amazing contribution.

Offering the inmates hospitality, service, welcome - they not only give them some dignity they may never have received before, they also offer hope and in particular, the hope of a new beginning.

Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading

This is the message of Christmas for all people.

For all of us can sometimes find ourselves imprisoned by wrong choices we made and a kind of downward spiral of regret and conceit.

In Jesus, God offers an unequivocal affirmation, the assurance of forgiveness and a chance to start again - that is the peace on earth, the goodwill to all that comes with the birth of Christ.

And being invited to speak about this hope to young offenders this week was a privilege and a joy.

It brought me close to the heart of the Christian faith. God reaching out to those who feel out of reach.

One last word - the carol service in the prison was one of the most ecumenical service I've been to this year.

All denominations were represented. All working together, all worshipping together.

What an irony. It took a visit to a prison for barriers between Christians to be broken down.