Christmas is almost here and as this is the last Community News for the year, today I’d like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support during the year, both to me personally and to this community.  Every little thing that you do, whether it is behind the scenes or upfront, makes a huge difference to who we are and the image that we portray in the wider community. We have been blessed in many ways in 2023 and we have a lot to be thankful for.

Of course there are some who are not as fortunate as us.  As Rev Sharon Hollis (Uniting Church President) reminds us.  So much our preparation for Christmas is about remembering all the things we have to do to ensure our celebrations go smoothly.  In the midst of all our planning and preparation it can be easy to forget the needs of the most vulnerable in our world including refugees.  I encourage you to pause and reflect on the birth of Jesus light in the darkest of places, enfleshment of God’s loving remembrance of humanity, and on story of Jesus the refugee who flees with his family because of political instability and persecution.  As you open your heart again to Jesus coming amongst us I hope you also open your heart to refugees in the world today and remember them in your prayers and giving by supporting the Christmas Bowl.

May you have a wonderful Christmas, embracing the hope that comes with the birth of Jesus.  Even if you are weary, I pray that you will find ways to rejoice with loved ones.

May the Advent promises of hope, love, joy and peace be yours through Christmas and into 2024.

Blessings – Heather (she/her).