From the Chaplains

From the Chaplains

Rev. Danielle Hemsworth-Smith 

What is the Joy that you are running towards this Christmas?  

‘But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people’ Luke 2.10 

‘So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger.’ Luke 2.16 

I love Christmas. I love the carols and the decorations. I love Christmas food. I love the warmth of the sun, and the feel and smell of salt, sand and sunscreen on my skin.  

In these last weeks of term, I feel like I am running towards all these things, much like the Shepherds on the first Christmas ran towards Jesus.  

And soon we will be there. Right in the midst of the Christmas moment. Surrounded by friends and family. Singing Carols. Opening presents. Eating until our tummies feel ready to burst. Swimming in the crystal blue ocean that we are so lucky to have just a few short kilometres away. 

It is going to be so good! I really can’t wait. 

There is so many good things about Christmas, that it is easy to forget that Christmas is about Jesus. It is easy to forget that we, just like the Shepherds, are running towards Jesus and the coming of hope, peace, love and joy into the world. 

It is even easier to forget that after the Shepherds ran to Jesus and embraced the joy they found there, they used that joy to go on and share it with others. 

‘When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.’  

Luke 2. 17-20 

So, this Christmas, I have three challenges for you. 

  1. Make sure you remember to out Jesus back into your Christmas Story. Go along to church at least once this Christmas. I have several fantastic local options below, and if you need another suggestion please email me at dhemsworthsmith@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au 
  1. Remember what you already know about the Christmas Story and discover what God is trying to say to you and your family through it. Have dinner with your family to and whilst you are eating re-tell the story of the first Christmas together. See which pieces that you remember together and then read the Gospel stories found in the scriptures. Luke 1.1-2.20 Matthew 1.18-2.12 John 1.1-14 Invite your family to think about what lessons you are hearing in these stories 
  1. Share the joy of your Christmas with others. Invite your friends over to celebrate Christmas. Talk about the special things that your family does at this special time of year. Visit your friends and ask about their traditions. Volunteer in the community. Give gifts to strangers that you will never meet, but for whom Christmas joy is hard to find.