By Jeremy
Rensford, chair
of the Shepparton
Ministers’
Association
I APPRECIATE this paper giving me an opportunity to share thoughts with our local community through this column, and as a local Christian leader, I’m aware of how important this time of year is to Christians and indeed our entire district.
For many, it ’s a time of joyous celebration, family time, gift giving and receiving, great food and time off work – to name a few. Unfortunately, for others it’s a season that they’ve come to dread.
And with the year our planet has had, I’d imagine that the difficulties some face around this time of year will only be exacerbated. For example, a local school chaplain has told me about anxious children worried about COVID and what Christmas will be like this year. For separated families, or those that have family members facing addiction issues or maybe have had a loved one pass away, for example, Christmas time can be a time they may have come to dread.
Why am I mentioning these things? (it does come across as a bit negative). Well, the reason is I’d implore everyone to keep in mind the situation others are facing and if you have opportunity, try and make it a better time for them. From something as simple as a smile and a warm conversation to checking in with someone you’re concerned about. The reason for Christmas – Jesus – implores us to “love our neighbour (fellow humankind) as we love ourselves.”
So, the question I’d love us to consider is not what present am I going to get, but rather what present can I be to someone else? Don’t get me wrong, this is a wonderful time of year – remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and all the great celebration that comes with this – but a big part of what He’d want us to do is help others that are in need. He never would want us to get away from that, and as a passionate member of the Greater Shepparton community, I’m glad he’s like that.
Time for a new approach
