Embracing Light and Love: Reflections on Hope and Redemption in Prison Ministry this Christmas

Over the Advent season, I have had the great opportunity to visit a number of prisons around the country to take part in Carol services, catch up with Chaplains, and interview those new to the world of Prison Chaplaincy. On all of these occasions, it has struck me how much effort people make at this time of year to celebrate light and love at times where it would be so easy to see only darkness and despair. A prison leaver said to me recently that a turning point in his life had been when he felt God say to him that he was valued because “I see myself in you”! The incarnation of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, God as one of us, could not be more perfectly put.

Worshipping with the women at HMP Low Newton last week has been a particular point of light for me this year. While the obvious emotions of separation, pain,  regret and fear of the future were never far from the surface, during the service, the outpouring of joy, fun, and laughter were right there alongside. By the manger in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, I imagine that these were all just as strong and just as present. Christmas surely highlights all that is best and worst in us, all that needs redeeming, and a hope that all is redeemable.

The Angel Tree project, which Prison Fellowship organises each year, is a perfect example of the best of this. Angel Tree gives parents in prison the opportunity to send a Christmas present to their children. In 2024, they sent out 4,467 gifts! Christmas is especially difficult for parents in prison and their children. Angel Tree lessens the devastation experienced as a result of parental absence by not only helping families connect and build relationships but also by providing children with much-needed joy. Together with our prison chaplains, PF buys, wraps, and delivers the presents. As long as prisoners are allowed access to their children, they are given the opportunity to apply for a gift to be sent to them. Each gift is dispatched as though it is from the parent in prison and is accompanied by a personal message written by the parent for their child to make the gift extra special. The parent is also given the option of including an age-appropriate Christian story book in their child’s gift. (https://prisonfellowship.org.uk/our-work/angel-tree/ ).

As God is indeed amongst us; as we seek to reflect the divine image in our lives; as we seek to respond in love to those to whom we are called let us, this Christmas, recognise the transforming glory of Christ-child who was indeed one of us, whether we are incarcerated, ministering, worshipping, or indeed all three.

Happy Christmas, all, and thank you for your ongoing prayers for our prison chaplains and for all to whom they minister.