Christmas can be such a difficult time for so many people.
It is traditionally, family time, yet unjustifiably estranged grandparents will not be allowed to be part of their family at Christmas, many will be spending it alone.
We all have memories of years gone by, of our own children being small and being part of the magic of it all.
When you are denied contact the hurt is unimaginable.
We move from having that unique relationship, those days playing together, building memories to be fully excluded.
Many grandparents apologise for anything they may have done to cause this, more often than not, having no idea what they have done.
If the adults refuse to communicate, how can we be expected to put things right?
The Christmas story is all about a baby being born, bringing hope and joy to the world, as all babies do.
In the midst of distress the Christmas story offers us hope, in a turbulent world. If only we could have Peace on Earth and no family estrangements, maybe even a virus spreading across everyone, a virus of peace and a softening of hearts.
Above everything else the Christmas story is one of love.
I know every grandparent loves their grandchildren more than love itself, they would do anything for them and that love will never die, as long as our hearts are open, hope lives on.
I wish all of you a peaceful Christmas, peace within yourselves.
You are in all our thoughts today and everyday.
