A Time to Give

Being a brave mother, I changed our Christmas gift-giving tradition a few years ago! Our children were all in their twenties, and well-supplied with the essentials of life and more. As they have been raised to be ‘givers’, we substituted exchanging presents within our family, for giving gifts to those who really needed them. To be honest, opening a card detailing the gift was less exciting than present opening around our Christmas tree. Although not everyone was keen the first year, we continue this new tradition, believing it represents the meaning of Christmas so much better.

The essential meaning of Christmas is of a loving God becoming human and living amongst us, hence identifying with our humanity completely. This event continues to provide us with a recorded example of Jesus’ life, including bold teachings on how to live justly and compassionately with our fellow humans. We are assured of God’s unconditional love for us, and encouraged to follow the way of life modelled by Jesus. Some people choose to do this very consciously. Others, less so, but often their lives show similar compassion towards others, offering hope and support to them when systems lack justice.

Everyone is welcome to come into churches or join the celebration at Christmas carols. While each gathering is slightly different, a time of joy and celebration it will be. Lane Cove Uniting Church would happily welcome you on Christmas Day at 9.30 am, corner Figtree St and Centennial Ave, Lane Cove.

If you aren’t keen on church, but would like to celebrate Christmas by rectifying some of the world’s inequalities, join me in utilising the Everything in Common Ethical Gift catalogue https://everythingincommon.com.au/  to purchase some thoughtful gifts.

After all, life is a precious gift worth celebrating!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (from The Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV)