We have wrestled with the fact that our story contains some dark moments.

In our living history there are people who expected to be able to trust the church, but were badly let down by others within the church and with tragic consequences.

It is impossible to be unmoved as survivors of abuse speak of their experience.

They should not have been subjected to such conduct.

The churches along with other institutions should have afforded better care.

Survivors speak with considerable bravery, as do their close family and friends.

I know that Anglicans in this region deeply regret their part in what occurred and pledge themselves to building a better future.

In part our commitment to do this comes from the Christmas story.

We find in the message of the incarnation, God coming to us, some key values.

These principles work not only for Christians but for others who want to see the world a better place.

At Christmas we recall that God acted with overwhelming love to guide all that He had created into a better way.

He called forth from people a desire for mercy and peace – goodwill among all.

This cosmic event is told with tales of shepherds and wise ones; of angels and stars; of a manger and a stable.

The fundamental tenet of Christianity is meant to be love.

Love, St Paul says, is patient; love is kind; not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. Love, he tells us, does not insist on its own way; is not irritable or resentful; does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Love he sums up, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. This sort of love is the love that God has for us.

St John places the highest value on love saying that if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

Christians know that they are meant to act with love, and when they do not, know that they have failed.

Over and over again we are confronted by our own teachings.

At Christmas we also recall that God put aside the use of power. God chose to make a difference by entering into the world with all the risks associated with birth and early childhood.

Throughout his life and ministry Jesus embodied this way of God not seeking power, glory or control. Jesus gave himself freely and completely for the life of others.

His was a way of service and humility.

Christians know that they are meant to follow the way of Jesus, and when they do not, they recognise the need to start afresh if they are to fully honour Him.

Our commitment is to seek to honour the Christmas story 365 days of the year. It is not a once a year event but a way of life.

The heartening story is that through our parishes, schools and agencies in the last year there are many wonderful moments of people being helped in need, finding new direction for their lives, discovering spiritual meaning and hope.

This year I have spent time with an amazing number of adults who for a wide variety of reasons have been exploring spirituality, faith and religion and who have decided to make very open statements about their faith and commit themselves to being part of the Anglican Church.

My Christmas prayer is that you might receive from God the blessing of peace you need for the year ahead.

Bishop Peter Stuart is assistant Anglican Bishop of Newcastle.