Love and friendship more important than latest toy or gadget, says Archbishop

Dr John Sentamu yesterday released his annual Christmas message on the YouTube social networking site and urged everyone to remember friendship, love and compassion are more important gifts than the latest toy or gadget.

In his online message he says: “I know that this has been a difficult year for many people in Britain. We are going through tough economic times, with many worried about the future. We need to rediscover the Christian virtue of hope – which isn’t the same as blind optimism.”

The Archbishop added: “As a country, may we recover genuine support of other people in practical ways. Not just financially, but also with our time and our unique skills. No matter who we are, the one thing we can always give is ourselves selflessly.

“Let us remember we are all made in the likeness and image of God. Whether you’re short or tall, black or white, old or young, God loves you for who you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Whilst Christmas is a special time for family, why not see everyone in society as our extended family. We are all precious and all loved.

“By supporting people around us, we recognise that there is something far more valuable than the latest toy or gadget. Friendship, love and compassion are the gifts that we should give freely. May I wish you all a very blessed, peaceful Christmas. Savour your time together, forget the fuss and put the love of Jesus Christ at the centre of your celebrations.”

The online message comes after the Yorkshire Post revealed last month that Dr Sentamu had called for greed to be made as socially unacceptable as racism and homophobia. The Archbishop’s video can be found at www.archbishopofyork.org/articles.php/2293/archbishops-christmas-message-for-youtube.