16/12/2025
Dear church family,
This morning I’ve returned from leave and I wanted to write to you, in light of the horrific events of Sunday in Bondi. How utterly devastating last Sunday afternoon was for our city. How devastating it remains. This was a profound evil and a terrible reminder of how broken our world is.
We mourn with those who mourn. Families, friends and communities have been ripped apart by this evil. We must look for answers, for justice, for hope.
This Sunday we’ll gather again as a church family, but with this grief before us. We’ll take time to do the best thing we can do, to pray to the one who promises to be close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. Come and pray with us this Sunday.
The Jewish community of Sydney have asked people to light a candle in memory of those who have died. It is a simple and fitting act of solidarity and support for this community who have had this grievous act strike them.
But, beyond the candle, we look to the one, who in John’s gospel, in the midst of
the festival of lights (Hanukkah) declared himself to be the light of the world. Knowing this of Jesus, we approach this Christmas, with the grief of last Sunday before us, but our Christmas gatherings and readings and carols will be our defiant and joyful protest, that even in the face of such darkness, we know there is a light that the darkness cannot overcome!
O Little Town of Bethlehem captures this wonderful reality for us:
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
Here is the one, who is not overcome by that which we rightly fear. Here is the one, the only one who can meet our fears and calm them forever, just as he did to the storm in Galilee. Here is the one, who will one day say to all that we fear, QUIET! BE STILL!
Here is the one, the only one who (in moments like this week) when we look for leadership, for change, for answers, for hope, can meet such hope. It was for this reason he was born!
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
For 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.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and for ever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9.2, 6-7
See you on Sunday. We’ll pray for our city in the mighty name of Jesus, the everlasting light.
Andrew Rees
(Rector - Wahroonga Anglican)
