Christmas Message: Anglican Bishop Michael Maxwell

Greetings to you, my fellow Barbadians, on this Christmas Day as we celebrate, with Christians across the world, the birthday of our King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Christmas is considered by many to be the most joyous time of the year, for it carries many signs of joy—the sweet carols and music that fill the air, the beautiful lights in our homes and on our streets, the warmth and cheer of our family gatherings, the act of gift-giving, and the sweet taste of black cake, ham, and sorrel. These traditions of Christmas truly bring delight, but we are often in need of the reminder that they are not the main reason for the season. They simply point us toward a greater and deeper truth that is to be our real source of joy in this life.

The true joy of Christmas lies in the remarkable truth that God stepped into our world in the person of Jesus Christ to offer hope, peace, love, and joy. This is why we love to sing that carol: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King.”

For in Jesus, our Lord, God drew near—offering peace, hope, and a love that does not fade with the season. He came to free and transform us from the attitudes and burdens that rob us of joy, such as fear, bitterness, pride, unforgiveness, and the anxieties that weigh heavily on our hearts. He invited us into a new way of living where joy is not temporary, but rooted in His presence to love us and to lead us. We receive and experience that joy when we, on earth, receive Him as our King and follow the path He shows.

This year, that message of where true joy is to be found is especially important. Although many are celebrating, we know that there are also many who are carrying heavy burdens. Some are grieving, especially for lives that have been cut short due to violence. Some are facing financial strain due to joblessness and the rising cost of living. Some feel the weight of loneliness or a terminal illness, and others are troubled by the conflicts and uncertainties within their homes, our Caribbean region, and the wider world.

If that is your reality today, hear this: Christmas is for you. Christmas is for all of us, for Jesus came not only for those who rejoice now but also for those who are currently struggling in life. He came as Emmanuel—God with us—for the burdened, the wounded, the heavy-laden, and the broken-hearted. He came to offer a joy that lifts us above what tries to pull us down.

This is the heart of God, and as we are called to be His people, we are to reflect His heart by drawing near to others, being present for them, and responding to their brokenness in love—enabling them to experience the joy of our presence.

Barbados has long been known for its kindness, its community spirit, and its willingness to look out for one another, and this has enabled our people to find joy in life here on this rock. This season of Christmas calls us once again to become home and community builders who enable love, peace, and joy to be experienced by our neighbours and ourselves.

So let us be inspired, even during this season, to reach out to those who feel alone; to listen and respond to those who are hurting; and to extend generosity to those in need. Joy is made possible and visible when we, in our response to others, choose compassion over indifference, forgiveness over resentment, reconciliation over hostility, and gentleness over aggression.

As we are called to experience joy during this Christmastide, let us not leave this joy behind when the season ends or when the decorations and lights are taken down. Let joy fill our homes, our workplaces, our communities, and our nation all year round. Let us speak joy into discouragement—especially for our young people. Let us live joy in ways that help others sense God’s presence among us. May we allow God in Christ to remove from our hearts anything that blocks the flow of His joy into our lives or into the lives of others.

On this Christmas Day and beyond, may our hearts be strengthened, our hope renewed, and our spirits lifted by the good news that still rings true: “Joy to the world—the Lord is come!”

I wish you and yours, on behalf of my family and the Anglican Church in Barbados, a blessed and joyous Christmas season and God’s continued favour, with the sharing of His joy in 2026.

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