This Christmas, we have asked people from our local networks and communities to share with us where they find something extraordinary in our ordinary Leeds!
In this first reflection, our friend Andrew Lightowler shares a photo and a prayer of gratitude and hope.
“I am so grateful to be living in Leeds. This one has held me in its care for the last decade.
“It has been a place of personal and family challenge, blessing, misunderstanding and hopeful realisation. A place of warmth and hospitality, fear and ill health.
“I love it for its vibrancy, its art, culture and sport; its hidden gems of gardens amidst the throbbing city, and wide-open parks of green.
“Most of all I love it for its people; a mass of potential, a wealth of experience and knowledge. An overwhelming treasure, far greater than any grand civic building or shopping spree. We are all the beating heart of this gathering of humankind.
“Leeds is home and I am blessed indeed. Thank you, God.”
Celebrate Christmas with us! We are hosting Curry & Carols and Carols in the Community, as well as putting a festive twist on all our regular communities throughout December. Find out more here.