By Jeremy Rensford, chair of the Shepparton Ministers’ AssociationGreetings fellow Greater Sheppartonians,
Merry Christmas! Is it just me, or do we seem to be saying this earlier each year? For this year in particular, Christmas is a time we are all looking forward to more than ever – finally some cheer, some hope; a cause for celebration.
And to be frank, for many of us, there hasn’t been much to celebrate lately – other than the brilliant Tigers’ back-to-back premiership (showing my bias there). Seriously though, we are well aware of the happenings of this year and the profound impact they’ve had on us. As a spiritual leader in this town, I and my colleagues have been working closely with many people in their time of need – and what great need many of us have.
‘Difficult times’ is an understatement. Everything we look forward to and believe in has been challenged this year. Simple things like eating a meal with friends or family, going shopping, even just taking a walk – either haven’t been possible, or looked vastly different. Amid this, many people have commented the pandemic has helped us see and value that which is most important.
And what is important? For me, it could easily be materialistic things that don’t last – a new boat, the latest fashion (I’m a long way behind I’m told by my kids), popularity around town…and so on. 2020 has shown me these things are enjoyable, but ultimately pointless. What about family, and being happy? Well, I know I still have family members I wasn’t allowed to see for months. Even family, while super important, sadly, isn’t permanent.
For Christians, the Christmas season causes us to remember, this year perhaps more than ever as well, the most important thing, or in this case, person, is Jesus. Why? Because He provides hope no matter what the circumstances. In a year of terrible circumstances, hope remains.
What is that hope? That there is light in darkness, life even in death, richness in poverty, strength for the weak, joy in mourning and clear eyesight for the spiritually blind – paradoxes that don’t make sense but come alive in faith.
At this holy time of year, on behalf of the Christian community, may I genuinely wish all of our wonderful Greater Shepparton community a merry Christmas and may you find hope this season.
Merry Christmas! Is it just me, or do we seem to be saying this earlier each year? For this year in particular, Christmas is a time we are all looking forward to more than ever – finally some cheer, some hope; a cause for celebration.
And to be frank, for many of us, there hasn’t been much to celebrate lately – other than the brilliant Tigers’ back-to-back premiership (showing my bias there). Seriously though, we are well aware of the happenings of this year and the profound impact they’ve had on us. As a spiritual leader in this town, I and my colleagues have been working closely with many people in their time of need – and what great need many of us have.
‘Difficult times’ is an understatement. Everything we look forward to and believe in has been challenged this year. Simple things like eating a meal with friends or family, going shopping, even just taking a walk – either haven’t been possible, or looked vastly different. Amid this, many people have commented the pandemic has helped us see and value that which is most important.
And what is important? For me, it could easily be materialistic things that don’t last – a new boat, the latest fashion (I’m a long way behind I’m told by my kids), popularity around town…and so on. 2020 has shown me these things are enjoyable, but ultimately pointless. What about family, and being happy? Well, I know I still have family members I wasn’t allowed to see for months. Even family, while super important, sadly, isn’t permanent.
For Christians, the Christmas season causes us to remember, this year perhaps more than ever as well, the most important thing, or in this case, person, is Jesus. Why? Because He provides hope no matter what the circumstances. In a year of terrible circumstances, hope remains.
What is that hope? That there is light in darkness, life even in death, richness in poverty, strength for the weak, joy in mourning and clear eyesight for the spiritually blind – paradoxes that don’t make sense but come alive in faith.
At this holy time of year, on behalf of the Christian community, may I genuinely wish all of our wonderful Greater Shepparton community a merry Christmas and may you find hope this season.
