Christmas – A Celebration of God With Us
Kia ora koutou,
As we gather to celebrate Christmas, our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude for the wondrous gift of Emmanuel—God with us. In the stillness of that first Christmas night, the Savior of the world entered our humanity, born in humility in a stable. The Christ child, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, reminds us that God’s love is personal, tender, and profoundly present in the ordinariness of our lives.
For us here in Aotearoa New Zealand, Christmas coincides with the warmth and light of summer, a unique time for rest and gathering with loved ones. It’s a season that naturally invites us to reflect on the blessings of God’s creation and the relationships that enrich our lives. As we exchange gifts and share meals, let’s remember that the greatest gift is Jesus Christ Himself, who came to bring us salvation and draw us into the fullness of God’s love.
The Gospel message of Christmas is one of hope: God enters our brokenness to heal, restore, and redeem. In the joyous carols we sing and the bright lights that adorn our homes, we proclaim the Good News that the darkness has not overcome the light.
May the peace and joy of Christmas radiate in your hearts and homes. As we celebrate, let’s carry the love of Christ into our communities, becoming witnesses of God’s enduring presence in the world.
Ngā manaakitanga (blessings) and Merry Christmas!