MOST of us are afraid of change. We like to stay as we are, it is more comfortable that way. Yet things don't stay the same and change is inevitable.

Children change schools then young people leave school going to work or university. They get married and start families of their own. Others lose work or become redundant. Then retirement and adapting to changing circumstances. Illness and bereavement that change lives completely.

As we get older, we downsize, leave family homes for cottages or flats and then in time, it is sheltered housing and care homes.

Much of change is beyond our control. Life dictates it, circumstances demand it. Soon we shall be in a new year and people fear treading into the unknown. Yet in many ways, next year will not be much different from this year. We will be another year older, but we cannot stop the passing of time.

Yet, there are some things we surely would like to change; wars in parts of the world, imminent terrorist attacks, refugees fleeing for safety, food banks supplying the needs of families, people finding it hard financially and many other social issues.

We have just celebrated Christmas where God became involved in His world. Through Jesus he came to bring love, peace, hope - if only people lived by those values, so much of life could change. He has the power to transform lives and situations, if only we would trust him to do so.

In wishing you a Happy New Year, I do so praying that you will find in Jesus those values for living that could change your lives and others. For He is our hope for the future.

The Rev Roger Fox,

Methodist Minister, Skipton and Grassington circuit