Wednesday 13 Dec
Shannon takes us through a Christmas carol as she shares a ministry update.
"'God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas Day...'
This familiar little line was running through my head today as I sat down to write this newsletter. It's easy to not really
hear Christmas Carols in all their glory nowadays, to just sort of let the background tunes of Christmas go in one ear and out the other, as we prepare, celebrate, shop and DO!
But as my mind sang this little song it wove together with the last few months of our work here in Outback Australia so beautifully. That first line reminds us of God's blessing and the hope that nothing can overwhelm our joy because Jesus was born.
We have been working through the book of Philippians at Kalkarindji Baptist Church and as we have worked through the first chapter, and looked ahead into the second, we have been reminded and encouraged that this good news of Christ's coming to Earth to be with us, and to save us, is the news we need to live, breathe and share!
'...to free all those who trust in him, from Satan's power and might.'
We have felt the sting of that power from time to time these last few months. There have been many deaths, accidents, arrests, illnesses and funerals.
We have been grieved by the weight of these dark things and dark times, but we are always amazed by our Christian brothers and sisters resilience in the face of near constant loss and grief. We hold onto the hope of Christmas, that the grim grip of Satan and sin are going to come to a close. The unraveling of the curse has started, now we wait for the coming King, who will repair and restore.
Mat has attended many funerals this year with four in the last two months. We wait with our brothers and sisters for relief and hold tight to hope, that only Christ our Saviour brings.
'Now to the Lord sing Praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood, Each other now embrace, This Holy time of Christmas'
It is our joy to also be able to rejoice with our Christian family that God's goodness and blessing is all around us. I have had the great joy and privilege of embarking on my journey into chaplaincy this term.
It has been a great delight to get to know children in this community, sharing with them the meaning and hope I have in my life. I get to hear their struggles and offer them comfort. I get to see their achievements and encourage them.
'...tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.'
The chorus of the hymn captures it well for me. We are people who embody, live and breathe this Gospel which brings for us and the whole world 'tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.'
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks for journeying with us!"
- Shannon, Outback Australia
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