|PIC1|The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has reminded people that the source of hope for the world is the love of God revealed in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols said in a message to the Diocese of Westminster that it was important to use the Christmas season to prepare their hearts for the Lord.

“As is the case for many people, for me this past year has been one of activity and change. Now, it is important to find the opportunity for stillness and reflection and to use this time of waiting as a time of preparation – for our hearts to turn to the Lord and welcome His presence into the world.

”We remember the fragile baby boy, born in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. This reminds us of the humility and loving generosity of God towards every human being.

“This is the source of our hope, for now every human life is clearly of eternal significance.”

The Archbishop paid tribute to those helping others celebrate their Christmas in spite of financial difficulties brought on by the recession.

“Of course, Christmas is also a time of goodwill and I know that many people throughout our diocese, in schools, parishes and other organisations, are working to help others in our country and abroad who may depend on our charity for food and shelter.

“This is particularly important this year, when many people have been affected by the economic crisis,” he said.

Churches in the Catholic Diocese of Westminster say they expect to be packed this Christmas as families welcome relatives and visitors arrive to spend their holidays in the capital.

Fr Chris Vipers, parish priest at Feltham in west London, said Christmas was an opportunity for the church to welcome in the community.

“Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are certainly one of the busiest times of year for parishes. It’s a wonderful time when we come together as a community and celebrate that God has come near to us through the birth of Jesus Christ, our ‘Emmanuel’,” he said.

“One of the important things for a parish throughout the year is the ministry of welcome, making sure that our doors are wide open to share the Good News with others.”

He said it was especially important for Christians to open their doors at Christmas, when the numbers of people coming to Mass could increase by as much as 40 per cent.

He said: “At Christmas you may get people who are new to the church and may be dipping their toes in the water, those who may be occasional worshippers and who are coming home for Christmas and of course our regular parishioners.”

Two of the Diocese of Westminster’s auxilliary bishops will visit prisons on Christmas Day to deliver Christmas messages to inmates.

Bishop John Arnold said it would be a privilege to celebrate Mass for prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs.

“This is where there is every reason to speak of hope. The Christmas story has meaning for those who are separated from their families and often afraid about their future,” he said.

“A sense of the enduring love of God can transform and give purpose to a day that might otherwise be empty and depressing.

“God’s love has its own energy, even for those in prison.”

Midnight Mass will be broadcast live on BBC1 from Westminster Cathedral at 23.50 GMT on Christmas Eve. The principal celebrant will be Archbishop Nichols and the Mass will feature singing by Westminster Cathedral Choir.