18/12/2025
From our minister at Christmas, 2025
At this time of year, people will gather in churches all over the world to sing, proclaiming the news that the Saviour of the world has come. It was at His birth - was it first sung? - at least announced - that Jesus Christ would bring peace on earth to people, on whom His favour rests. Centuries earlier we find a hope filled description that points to Jesus, who is called the Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counsellor and Mighty God. The government would be upon His shoulders. He would come to bring His reign on the earth.
At Christmas, we focus on why Jesus came, but this year, like other years, we do so with mixed emotions. We mourn with those who mourn. We have been reminded in recent days our world is broken and it is people who experience and contribute to this brokenness. The assault on our way of life that occurred at Bondi has struck us to the core. Human efforts for peace on earth seem far from us. Australian lives have been shattered and families broken. Words don't seem adequate to convey the horror and pain this is. How can we reconcile what should be a time of gladness and thankfulness at Christmas with what families and friends of the victims of Bondi last Sunday are now enduring?
Because God entered our world, His world, in the person of Jesus Christ we know He is not unfamiliar with our human experience. As One who was born to dwell with us, Jesus Christ understands the pain of human loss and suffering. He is a Wonderful Counsellor.
Human history shows we have great trouble experiencing peace on earth. What happened at Bondi sadly is another episode of great harm and hatred that seems to make peace of earth an illusion. Where there's mistrust, animosity, hatred and fear, it makes sustained peace and harmony in our society and in our lives an impossible goal. Our unpreparedness for wanting reconciliation with those we dislike or disagree with makes it clear we need the intervention of someone who can bring everlasting peace. God in Jesus Christ shows us His favour that rests on people who look to him in their need. It begins by admitting we need His help. That we haven't loved and cared for others as we should. It begins by admitting we are responsible for this.
Our hearts are with our fellow Australians so devastated by the loss of loved ones. We turn to God asking that He would comfort the grieving. That He would journey with the broken-hearted who are devastated. We pray for our government leaders and all those in authority as they respond with wisdom in making decisions for the future. We pray for the return of the Lord Jesus who has promised to reign forever, the Prince of Peace, the Light of the world, who once and for all will dispel the darkenss and promises a time when He will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
May the reign of the Prince of Peace fill your heart and mind this Christmas and in the year ahead.
