The News of the World says..

In such a bleak midwinter, let's hold on to hope

BETWEEN the frantic ringing of the tills and last-minute festive preparations we urge you to read the searing words of Melanie Jones.

The mother of murdered schoolboy Rhys has a stark message for every family in the land.

In this season of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Men, Mrs Jones knows too well the terrible cost when these two sentiments are absent.

More than anyone, the woman who cradled her dying son in her arms understands that, deep in the black heart of Britain's feral sink estates, goodwill is in pitifully short supply.

Though her pain, she declares: "We can't keep making excuses that people are born into poverty. Lots of people are poor but they don't end up as criminals.

"Parents must take responsibility for their children and what they do."

A simple truth. But no less powerful.

Values

There is, however, a chink of light in our darkness. As Archbishop of York John Sentamu points out on this page today, a majority of schoolchildren believe parents are the true heroes in our society.

In a world of household conflict and divorce, there is still a touching faith in family values that we must build on if we are to remain civilised.

"The common thread at the heart of being a hero is selflessness," says the Archbishop.

And if there is any lesson to be taken from the golden nuggets of good, honesty and endeavour amid the glut of commercialism, venal greed, despair and villainy that besets us, it is surely this.

Memory

Christmas is a time for putting others first. First in our thoughts, and first in time of need.

Now, more than ever, let us send prayers and thanks to our Forces fighting terror in faraway lands.

Let those of us with money to spend remember those without jobs.

Let every mother and father think of Rhys Jones' parents - and resolve, in that little boy's memory, to do just one thing today to make their own children better people.

Let us keep in our thoughts the plight of missing Madeleine McCann and the ordeal of her family.

And, above all, let us cling to hope.

Be safe, be happy. Cherish your family and friends.

And together we'll get through 2009.

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