Merry Christmas

Christmas in Australia is a great celebration. It’s a time to remember the year gone by, a time of rest, a time to eat lavishly, a time to decorate the office and home, and a time for friends and family.

Christmas traditions have a rich and eclectic history. Our modern plump and generous Santa stems from legends of Saint Nicholas, the fourth century Turkish bishop. The plastic Christmas tree that fills our lounge room is inspired by a sixteenth century German tradition. And elves… actually I don’t know how elves fit into it.

In our family, at Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We remember that God entrusted a young faithful mother with bringing Him into the world. And we are mindful that He did not remain a baby in a manger, but grew up to teach of God’s love and purpose, and to fulfil His mission as the one who would bear the punishment for humanity’s rejection of God.

 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. – Isaiah 9:6.