December 2006: Be as generous as Jesus

It was the birth of Jesus that changed the world. Jesus certainly changed me.

Jesus still walks and continues to change me and so many people in God’s world, planet earth.

Change and being changed is very much part of the Uniting Church in Australia at the moment and, I sincerely hope, of each and every one of you.

Yes, Christmas is a time to change our attention to others, as Jesus did throughout his ministry and leadership on earth.

Reflect on how you have changed over the years and look to how you can help make this world a better place, in the spirit of Christmas.

This I did recently at spiritual retreat which caused me to write:

Was it only yesterday Lord:
That my carefree childhood suddenly went?
That commitment and responsibility crept in?
That I became responsible for my own actions?
Was it only yesterday Lord:
That the drive for success and status took control of me?
That the fear of failure, disgrace and loss came to nag me?
That my youthfulness gave way to signs of ageing?
Was it only yesterday Lord:
That I suddenly realised that my time was running out?
That the constant, relentless waves of life have changed me?
That there is less time for me to leave a positive legacy?
Was it only yesterday Lord:
That you reminded me that I have not been alone?
That you equipped me to contribute to your own world?
That I awoke to the meanings of life you gave me?
Was it only yesterday Lord:
That you disturbed me with the certainty of uncertainty?
That turning to you, you energised and changed me?
That being changed enabled me to change others?
Yes Lord, you changed and always supported me;
You showed me that the impossible is possible;
That problems can be irresistible challenges and opportunities; and
That challenges will lead to an exciting future with you.

As our Synod vision statement asks each of us and our congregations to become members of a new movement of excited Spirit-led Christians, “moving with God, transforming communities”, let us never forget that the birth of baby Jesus enabled us to become Church, become Christ-centric and become generous, for he has changed our lives.

I appeal to you this Christmas to show how we can each change the world by:

• Sharing God’s gift of Jesus with all whom you meet.
• Sharing the message of Jesus as part of faith sharing with everyone you meet.
• Showing God’s unconditional love and forgiveness by you reconciling with estranged friends and relatives.
• Showing Christ’s generosity by giving meaningful presents to those whose need is so great, whether in Australia or overseas.

To be Christ-centric requires us to be ever mindful of the world’s need for elimination of poverty through equal opportunity, of homelessness through sharing, of war and injustice through recognition of each other’s struggles, which ought to be resolved through peaceful actions, and of loneliness through being a caring, inclusive society.

What better time to do that, than this Christmas!

It is my way of celebrating the greatest birth the world has known: the birth that gives every hope that there is a future, if only we can reflect the life and ministry of Jesus in all that we do, day by day.

May you have a Christ-centred Christmas, responding to God’s generosity in the birth of His Son, caring for others, especially those who will not otherwise experience the love of Jesus in the lives.

That is why my Christmas present from my extended family will go to an overseas aid project for I have already benefited from Christ’s generosity to me, time and time again.