WHAT is Jesus’ favourite chocolate? There is a delightful video on Facebook of a young girl who asks this, because, although she is frequently told that chocolate is bad for her, it is given to her in huge amounts to celebrate both Christmas and Easter. Christians celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, and Easter, His death and resurrection. Though birth and death are universal events that underline our mortality, Jesus of Nazareth is believed to be 'the only begotten son' of God, who is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit - one God in three persons. This makes little or no sense mathematically or philosophically but, for about a third of the world's population, encountering the story of Jesus - his birth, life, work, compassion, wisdom, integrity, unjust death, resurrection and exaltation - has brought them into a life-changing relationship with Him. Giving your love and loyalty to Jesus does not solve all life's problems; indeed it may add to them, through

the challenge to live for forgiveness, kindness and justice. For very many people it has brought meaning and purpose to life and a sense of freedom and joy, in a world filled with hatred, division, suffering and pain. Jesus' refusal to be cowed by the civil and religious authorities, which led to His death, modelled a way of

non-violent resistance to injustice. The sacrificial character of His death renews our relationship with God. His resurrection vindicates his promise of new life and hope for the future.

The Rev Michael Bonser, Tottlebank Baptist Church