Karlsruhe (dpa/lsw) - According to the Evangelical Bishop of Baden, the consequences of the war are also having an effect on this year's Christmas celebrations. It will be celebrated differently, more thoughtfully, more modestly and certainly in many households poorer and lonelier, said Heike Springhart on Monday evening in Karlsruhe.

The corona pandemic had already promoted loneliness and loneliness. As a result of rising prices and the energy crisis, it is now becoming more difficult for some people to afford a visit to the café, Springhart made clear. It is the task of the church to counteract the forced withdrawal and the social coldness. The parishes should keep rooms open and heated so that people could meet over a cup of coffee.

"I believe that this year we are closer to Christmas," said the bishop. May the message of peace ring out in the cold and darkness - similar to Jesus' birth in the stable of Bethlehem. "It wasn't particularly comfortable," Springhart said. "And no sooner was the child born than it was threatened by a neighboring despot."