My Christmas message, on behalf of Canberra Region Presbytery, in today’s Canberra Times Chronicle.
“Christians tend to celebrate good news all year round, but at Christmas we have the privilege of partnering with the wider community of a season of generosity and compassion.
Working together for the common good for Christians is grounded in a belief in the God who is compassionate, generous and present with us in all parts of our lives. Christmas can be one of the loneliest times of the year, and for some one of the leanest times, made even more difficult by the intensity of media focused on consuming and “family time”.
Many churches and other faith-centred organisations across the Canberra region have been sharing food hampers and will be hosting community meals on Christmas Day, supported by businesses and individuals. It’s an opportunity for people to experience a community of welcome and solidarity.
What I like hearing about is local communities where people have been invited by their neighbours to join them for a meal over the Christmas break. Our rugged individualism is trumped by courageous community formation.
Christmas is a great time for us all to unite for the common good.”
