This reflection first appeared as a “View from the Pulpit” in the pew sheet published on 14 December 2025, and is shared here for our wider church family.
As the old song reminds us, Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year.” The family gatherings, the food, the music, the presents, the lights and decorations – and in our part of the world, the long summer days – all combine to lift our spirits. And we Christians, ordinary people who also delight in God’s good gifts, gladly enjoy these things. But amid all the beauty and celebration, we must not lose sight of the deeper wonder at the heart of Christmas. There are many ways to describe it, but Scripture brings us again and again to one central truth: the Incarnation. “The Word became flesh,” John writes (John 1:14). Paul says it this way: “Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God … made himself nothing … being made in human likeness” (Phil 2:6–7). And he continues: “He humbled himself … becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Why did God the Son take on our humanity and embrace the cross? The Bible gives the answer plainly. “He will save his people from their sins,” the angel tells Joseph (Matt 1:21). Jesus himself declares, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Or in the memorable words of C S Lewis: “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” My prayer for you this Christmas is, if you have not yet confessed Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, may this be the Christmas you do. And for all of us, may we find renewed rest in His love and renewed hope in His glorious return. This Christmas is a bittersweet one for our family, as it will be our last at St Christopher’s and in NZ. We cherish the gift of celebrating this season with you, our beloved church family. Thank you for your understanding, your encouragement, and your prayers as we wind down our ministry here and prepare for the new chapter that God is calling us into in Adelaide. Maranatha!
