This Christmas, as families across Australia pause from work and study to rest, travel, and gather with loved ones, we are reminded of the deeper meaning of this season. For Christians, Christmas is not merely tradition—it is the celebration of God’s greatest gift: the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
In Him, God entered our world—fragile, suffering, and longing for peace. Jesus came as a child, grew to manhood, and gave His life to redeem us from sin and reconcile us to God. As Scripture says:
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law.” (Galatians 4:4–5)
“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
This message of hope feels especially urgent in our times.
We grieve with the Jewish community in Bondi and all those affected by the recent act of violence. At a time when many expected joy and peace, tragedy has struck close to home. We pray for God’s comfort and strength for the grieving families, all communities, and individuals impacted by this attack.
In Africa, where our mission is ongoing, nations are enduring immense hardship:
Civil war in Sudan and instability in South Sudan
Ongoing conflict in the Great Lakes region, including Rwanda and the DRC
Military coups in the Sahel region, West and Central Africa
Floods, displacement, and unrest in Tanzania and beyond
These crises leave millions asking: Why so much suffering? Yet the Christmas story reminds us that God has not abandoned the world. The birth of Christ is God’s answer to human pain— a Saviour who brings forgiveness, peace, and eternal hope.
As we rejoice in Christ’s birth, let us also:
Pray for healing and peace in Australia and the various troubled regions Africa and for God's protection on our teams who are closer to the frontline.
Stand with those who mourn and suffer.
Remember that the world’s deepest need is met in Jesus, who came to rescue humanity and bring freedom from sin and despair
May this Christmas be a time of renewed hope, that God cares for his world and has sent Jesus as the Saviour.
