As custodians of this Christmas story: and for those of us who follow this child born, the responsibility in living the Grace of God’s love for the world remains breathtakingly overwhelming.

We are invited once again to encounter God;

We are invited, like the shepherds, to find the baby;

We are invited to receive this divine intervention in that same way as you would cradle a new born in your arms.  With wonder, awe, impossibly dependant: vulnerable and fragile.

As people of Spirit this is a reminder to consider with how much gentleness you tend your own sense of Spirit.  Do you care for that yearning within you with the tenderness we encounter a baby?

If we want to be part of bringing healing to life this Christmas, and in the year ahead, here’s a reminder.  Peace on Earth will not be found through Legislation, Law or Governance.  Peace between all peoples will not be found in Policing.

The ways of being in the world are here in this story.

We are all vulnerable.

We all need a safe place.

We are all interdependent on one another and the planet.

These are similar  questions that the Nation faces after Bondi.

We are all vulnerable.

We all need a safe place.

We are all interdependent on one another to intervene where there is danger, to stand with the vulnerable and oppressed and make safe our world.

Jesus is born: he is called Prince of Peace: and his birthing narrative, his teachings and stories, paint a picture of inclusion between all humankind, because the character of God as seen in him, is Love.

Love like that of a child being born in the world.

Love like that of a baby finding safe home in a stable.

Love like that of every family improvising with whatever ever befalls us, to create safety and love for every one.

Unlike the commercial TV Network Christmas Specials:

Unlike the Carols event tonight at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl:

We all need a silent night: to pray…

We all need a Holy Night: a night set aside: to learn and recover.

And we are all invited to come, let us adore…

and take that posture with us into this celebration to night and tomorrow: 

and in our every day living.