The Bishop of Taunton will tonight celebrate the role played by Christians in community life in Bath.
The bishop will use his Christmas sermon at a Christmas Eve midnight mass to reflect on the continuing impact of Christianity in today's society.
The Rt Rev Peter Maurice will tell his Bath Abbey congregation that despite recent Census figures suggesting there had been a 12 per cent fall in the Christian population, there is vital work carried out in local communities by Christian organisations, particularly with the homeless and alcoholically-dependant.
He said that if the Church was not involved in such work, it would leave "a gaping hole that no government agency…would ever be able to fill."
Bishop Peter will say that Christmas is a celebration of the God choosing to make his home among people.
"Tonight is a celebration of Emmanuel – God with us – yes, in the horrific events in Newtown, Connecticut; in the continuing conflict and unrest that engulfs Syria and other parts of our world; in the daily struggles of families across the country, trying to make ends meet, who will be dreading these next few days, as well as in the life giving, joyous moments as friends are reunited, as lovers commit themselves to each other afresh and as people across the world continue to offer to one another simple, generous acts of kindness."
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