So just five days before Christmas, the Charity Commission has launched new guidance entitled: Manage financial difficulties in your charity arising from cost of living pressures. As you would expect, it sets out what most of us would expect charity trustees to already be doing (but in my experience never assume that is the case!) e.g. minimise costs, conserve or improve sources of income, manage fuel costs etc. In fact, most of us as individuals should probably be following the Commission's advice in our personal lives! It is worth a read simply to ensure your charity is doing all it should be. 

However, what really struck me was the poignancy that this is the guidance that is sent out at Christmas. I was contrasting it with the message of hope that the prophet Micah wrote nearly 3000 years ago, as he also prophesied the birth of a saviour: 

"Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear."

For everyone working in charities or on their own alongside the lonely, the vulnerable, the abused, the homeless or the hungry, I wish them and you the blessing of your own fig tree and the hope that a saviour brings this Christmas.