Church leaders in Northern Ireland have spoken about emerging from the darkness of Covid-19 into a hope-filled New Year in pre-Christmas messages.
The traditional festive greetings also touch on the plight of those bereaved through the virus and remember those who will not be home for the holidays.
Others have referred to the significance of humility and service.
Presbyterian Moderator Dr David Bruce has reflected about what home is - a place of acceptance, love and hospitality - and on his recent visit to a charity shop run by the Church in north Belfast, where he met two volunteers from Iran who won t be home for Christmas.