Letter To The Editor From Jim Shannon MP

Strangford MP Jim Shannon MP Letter To The Down News Editor

Dear Editor,

“This Christmas at Westminster I used the Christmas message as a way to inspire hope for people.

“I talked about the distance that a young couple had to journey with no hotel booked and no way of knowing what the future held. They were uncertain, frightened and alone – how many families in our communities feel that way today? We need to know that God has a plan for our lives, and that He will bring an innkeeper who will provide.

“I spoke of those rough and ready shepherds on the hillside—the forgotten men of society, ignored or frowned upon for their work and for being unlearned.

“These men were used to fading into the background, yet on that night God reminded them that He saw them and that they had a role to play.

“He sent not simply one angel but a heavenly host to give them the good news that the saviour of the world was born.

“This reminds me that there is always hope and a future for all. No matter where we are at a particular time, when we meet Christ, it can all change.

“I think of the journey that those wise men undertook—years of travelling to find the truth and discover the true light of the world—and how this reminds us all to use our gifts and talents our lives for His glory and to follow His commands to love our neighbours as we love ourselves.

“This Christmas, I am thankful for my family, my friends, my community and my colleagues.

“Above all, though, I am thankful for Christ, my saviour God, humbled and born to lie in a manger, to walk this earth and to die an awful death on the cross for my salvation—and all our salvation—and to give us all hope and a future not just at Christmas, but all year through. Emmanuel, God with us then and now.

“Happy Christmas one and all!“

Yours Sincerely,

Jim Shannon MP,

34a Frances Street,

ewtownards, BT23 7DN.