Dean Dalliston said: “It is Christmas at last and the waiting is over!
“The message of Christmas, which we celebrate with wonderful words and beautiful music in our cathedral, remains, at its heat one of love and hope.
“And the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is a sign of God’s commitment to and engagement with his suffering world and a promise that he will never abandon us.
“In our turbulent and uncertain times, we need that promise more than ever, and we ned to hold fast those values that have stood us in good stead over so many years: a belief that every human being is valued and precious in God’s sight, that love is stronger than hate and that light has come into the world and the darkness will never overcome it.
“May we share with friend and stranger that same truth, not just at Christmas but throughout the year to come. Happy Christmas!”