The Dean of Bradford Cathedral is sharing his festive message online with Telegraph & Argus readers this year.

The Very Reverend Dr David Ison asks people to remember to share their love in the message, which can be seen below.

He says the reality of Christmas is not about giving presents, but about sharing.

He says: “It’s not what you give that’s so special as the way you give it. It’s when you give to someone the gift of your love.”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford’s Christmas wish for the city is a better future, full of hope.

In his traditional festive message, Councillor Howard Middleton spoke of his pride for the district which he described as a land of “opportunities”.

“Bradford is a place which affords opportunities not only for celebration but also for reaching out the hand of friendship, for neighbourliness and caring for those in need,” he said.

“This year as Lord Mayor I have been privileged to meet so many different people and I have been touched by the great warmth and generosity of spirit which the Bradford district represents.”

The Lord Mayor also spoke of his hope for the city to succeed, saying: “This hope is sustained when I see, in Bradford district, people of all faiths and creeds working together and finding ways to support and encourage one another, building a better future.

“Hope is sustained when I see the children in our schools learning, laughing and achieving. Hope is sustained when I see our hardworking young people being great ambassadors.

“Hope is sustained when I see the dignity and courage of those with Alzheimer’s and their carers, whose charity I am sponsoring this year. Bradford is a place of hope.”

As he wished a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, he spoke of “peace and goodwill”, a time for offering hospitality to neighbours and reconnecting with family and friends.

He said people had to stay mindful as Christmas approached of “the darkness of the financial squeeze, debt; the victims of conflict; for some the loneliness of bereavement; anxiety about work, about making ends meet; the suffering innocents around the world.”

e-mail: kathie.griffiths@telegraphandargus.co.uk