Christmas Services for 2023

Transcript

00:00 All creatures great and small have been out celebrating this Christmas.

00:07 From this pet-friendly service in Melbourne, to a more traditional gathering at St. Peter's

00:14 in Adelaide, and a charity lunch with the Prime Minister in Sydney, religious and secular

00:23 leaders have been offering messages of hope.

00:26 This is a festive time, but for many Australians it will be a very difficult time.

00:31 And it's been a time where we've seen the best of the Australian character that always

00:37 comes out at the most difficult of occasions.

00:40 In a world of tears and trouble, Christmas reminds us that we're not alone, we're not

00:45 forgotten, and we're loved.

00:47 We're loved by God who sent his son for our sakes.

00:49 References to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a common thread in services around the country.

00:56 In Bethlehem and Jerusalem, Israel and Gaza, terrorists and armies do their damnedest.

01:05 This is our world today.

01:07 It's a world of suffering and pain, but because of Christmas, my friends, it's a world not

01:12 without hope.

01:13 Palestinian Christians in Sydney put on a brave face today to find solace from news

01:18 of death and destruction in Gaza.

01:21 It's Christmas Day today, but as you know, we don't feel it.

01:24 We're focusing more on praying and lamenting because there's nothing else left.

01:30 Their sentiments heard and shared by federal cabinet minister Tony Burke.

01:34 I couldn't think of anywhere more important in Australia to pray today.

01:39 Christians across the nation have celebrated the birth of Christ today in different ways,

01:44 whether through raised hands, singing, prayers, or even charity lunches like this one, coming

01:49 together for a meal with people from all walks of life.

01:52 Organisers here say more people have been feeling the pinch this year.

01:57 People are reaching out to us, looking for support, who've never reached out for support

02:01 before, whether it's to pay a bill or to help their kids at school or just for some food

02:07 relief.

02:08 Such a lovely togetherness for everybody, no matter who you are, what you are, and we

02:12 love that spirit for Christmas.

02:14 As spirit, Australians are praying we'll carry over into the new year.

02:19 [BLANK_AUDIO]