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The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search |
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a healthy church...transformingLIFE |
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O, you shouldn't have...The Bishop's Christmas message - 2005 |
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If you open a Christmas present this year and say 'O, you shouldn't have', there's a better than 50% chance you really mean it. A recent Newspoll survey shows that more than half of Australians receive unwanted presents. Op shops and recycling shops report a sharp increase in business straight after Christmas. If you're feeling a bit guilty because you just rewrapped that fruit bowl for Uncle George this year that your mother-in-law gave you last year, you're probably in good company (by the way, don't forget to change the name on the card!). This Christmas, Australians will give around $14billion worth of presents. Yes that's right, 14 BILLION, with a 'B'. How many billions are unwanted, or only given out of some sort of 'mutual obligation' (as our PM might call it)? A true gift is appreciated and wanted. A true gift is often surprising and unexpected. A true gift reflects an understanding of the person on the receiving end, of their likes and needs. A true gift has something extra, something unique that makes it special for the recipient, because a true gift is an expression of love and care, regardless of the monetary value. Is it any wonder true gifts are elusive and why at Christmas we end up buying so many unwanted presents? But one present is unambiguously a true gift. At Christmas we remember that God gave the world the greatest gift ever - in the form of his son, Jesus. This is why the Christmas carol says, 'Joy to the World, the LORD is come!' We can't make complete sense of life by ourselves, or find our own way back to God. But at Christmas, God comes to us. God accommodates himself to us as a human - a son, a brother, a friend, a teacher - so that we might know him. God's gift of Jesus offers to us a life of significance, direction and joy and, ultimately, a secure, eternal home. It's what we most need: it comes with love. Jesus is the ultimate Christmas gift. Nothing that I can buy in a shop will be able to capture my love for another person the way God expressed his love for us in giving Jesus that first Christmas. For a gift you will treasure this Christmas, try getting to know Jesus. May you have a blessed Christmas.
Bishop John Harrower |
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