Walking to work from the tram, I paused briefly, taking in the sight before my eyes. A boy around two years old, was in his father’s arms, with his head nestled in his shoulder. He was not asleep; his body however was totally relaxed and trusting. He had the most contented look on his face, and everything about him suggested that in this moment, all was well in his world.

Why do I tell you this? The above situation took place the week before Christmas, when in Christian churches, you’ll hear stories from the sacred text in Matthew’s gospel, of Mary being engaged to Joseph, finding out she was pregnant, the visit of an angel appearing to Joseph in a dream and telling him not to be afraid, and that Mary will give birth to a son and his name will be Emmanuel. The word Emannuel meaning God-with-us.  God stepping into our real and fragile world, year after year, bringing a hope that will not be extinguished.  

God being with us in daily life – in human form, is embodied in the ways we tenderly hold children, and honour, protect and care for elders and one another; In the way we recognise the importance of truth -telling and building culturally safe workplaces and community spaces with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; The way we build trust in one another, so we become the people we are called to be; God being with us in the ways we pay attention to grief, distress, loneliness, confusion, as well our times of joy, excitement, creativity and delight.

In the face of the violent attacks last week on Jewish people at Bondi Beach, the call of God-with-us is urgent. The light that enters the world in Jesus invites us to acknowledge suffering and respond with courage, compassion and solidarity. This invitation calls us to connect across difference, be it faith, culture, sexuality, ethnicity, gender or identity. It is ordinary and extraordinary love that helps us shape a world where every child, family, and community can feel safe, held, and seen.

This Christmas may we play our part in shaping a changed world.

May we be kind
May we reach out to others in need
May we remember to take moments for ourselves
May we slow down and open our hearts,
May we do what we need to be safe
May we remember, even in loneliness, we are not alone in this world.
God is with us, through the hands, feet, hearts and minds of each other – calling us to connect to one another.  

Clare Brockett
Director of Mission