THERE is something so comforting, safe and life-giving about the Christmas season, with all the traditions, music, food, decorations and giving and receiving of gifts.
We do these things every year regardless of what we might be facing or experiencing. In doing so we are remembering and rediscovering the very heart and purpose of it all; namely that God has entered into the reality of our world – the beauty and the mess – in order to bring hope, peace, joy and love.
This has been a challenging year for many in our city – we have seen escalating homelessness, rising poverty levels, increased mental health challenges and more.
Nationally we find ourselves in a time of political uncertainty with seemingly intractable challenges and contested visions for the future.
This Christmas, let’s hear afresh the words of the prophet Isaiah who declared to a waiting world that God would one day act decisively to put the world to rights:
To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
At Christmas we celebrate a child born to us. But let us not forget that this is the child who showed us the love of the Father, contended for justice for all, cared for and restored dignity to the poor, faced up to evil forces and through His death and resurrection liberated all creation to truly live.
That light still shines no matter how dark it might be at times. In Him we find true comfort, safety and life.
May you all know His joy this Christmas!
Rev Dr Rich Johnson
Vicar of All Saint Church
