The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shared two in five Australians have felt lonely at least some of the time in the past week…

…and that loneliness can be exacerbated during the Christmas period.

While the ideal Christmas is a season of joy, togetherness and celebration, many Australians quietly experience loneliness, disconnection and emotional strain during the holidays.

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that two in five Australians have felt lonely at least some of the time in the past week, and that loneliness can be exacerbated over Christmas.

For psychologist Garrett Huston from Psychology South & Wellbeing Services, this isn’t surprising.

“Loneliness is an odd one, because you could be alone in a room full of people,” Garrett said.

“It’s basically your brain telling you that you need connection.”

Social media can make the experience even harder.

“You start comparing your holiday experience with other people. You see all these gorgeous highlights online, or you long for how things used to be,” Garrett said.

“Loneliness can be masked. People can be very lonely and not show a thing, but it’s what they’re feeling inside.”

To address the emotions Christmas can raise, Garrett encouraged people to meet themselves with kindness rather than judgement.

“Just because you’re lonely, that doesn’t define you,” Garrett said.

“Different doesn’t mean worse. It’s okay to rest and keep things simple.”

We need to be aware of our self-talk, especially when expectations don’t match reality, and remind ourselves of what’s true.

“You can tell yourself, ‘I can create moments of comfort. Even if I’m not connecting as much as I’d like, I can take small steps right now,’” Garrett said.

Those steps might include reaching out to one trusted person, volunteering, or reconnecting with faith.

“You might not have been to church for a while, but engaging in your faith can be a meaningful way to feel connected,” Garrett said.

Family gatherings can also bring tension so “set realistic expectations”.

“You’re not going to suddenly get along with that grumpy uncle,” Garrett said.

“Identify your triggers, stay away from certain topics, and remember you don’t have to participate in every conversation.” Clear but gentle boundaries can help.

“You can say, ‘I’d rather not talk about that today,’ or excuse yourself to check on the turkey,” Garrett said.

“Spend time with the people who make you feel grounded. That gives you the social battery to cope with the rest.”

Above all, Garrett reminded listeners that support is available.

“Loneliness isn’t a weakness. It’s a signal that we need care, connection or comfort,” Garrett said.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

What does Christmas look like around the world?

Here are seven colourful and surprising ways Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth.

‘But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”’  (Luke 2:10) 

Christmas looks different in communities across the globe. And as Christians, we have the profound joy of being part of a worldwide family of believers—beautiful in our diversity.  

Here are seven wonderful ways our brothers and sisters around the world are expressing the good news of great joy that Christmas is.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, Christmas trees are less popular than this tradition: building a nativity crib. Set in a cave rather than a stable, the holy family is arranged alongside seeds that sprout and grow over the Advent season.  

This live and growing scene becomes a place for the family to gather for prayer in the lead up to Christmas.  

England (via Germany) 

At Christmas in 1747, a German Bishop called John de Watteville gave candles wrapped with red ribbons to children as a reminder that Jesus is the light of the world. The Christingle (Christ Light) was born, and the custom spread around the world.  In 1968, The Children’s Society in England expanded on the Christingle’s symbolism to further explore the importance of Christmas with children. Now the Christingle is made from: an orange to represent the world God made; four sticks threaded with dried fruit or lollies to represent God’s provision; a red ribbon wrapped around the orange representing Jesus’ work on the cross; and a white candle placed in the top of the orange to represent Jesus as the light of the world.

Philippines 

The city of San Fernando is called the ‘Christmas Capital of the Philippines’ because of Ligligan Parul—a festival dating back as far as 1904 where enormous, intricately decorated lanterns are displayed against the night sky.   

Thought to have originally represented the star of Bethlehem, these days the lanterns are typically six metres wide and illuminated by thousands of bulbs intertwined to create a dazzling display of dancing light.    

Ethiopia

Christians make up around 60-70 per cent of the population in Ethiopia, and the largest denomination within that are our Orthodox brothers and sisters who celebrate Christmas on 7 January.  

After fasting and refraining from meat and alcohol in the lead up, on Christmas Eve, Christians dress in a white cotton garment called a netela and attend an overnight service from 6pm to 3am.  

With no emphasis on gift giving, Ethiopians enjoy a day of feasting and traditional sports such as genna, a hockey-like game played without boundaries in the space between two villages.  

The game—and the fun it brings—is thought to represent the shepherds’ joy at the birth of Jesus. 

Bangladesh 

Only 0.3 per cent of the population of Bangladesh are Christians. Nonetheless, 25 December is a national holiday known as Boro Din (The Big Day).  

Christians celebrate with church services, kirtan (a traditional song and dance circle) and special Christmas treats. Many churches hold Preeti-bhoj (love feasts) after church where the whole community share a meal. 

Uganda 

Christmas or Sekukkulu is one of the most important holidays in Uganda, and families spend weeks preparing. Houses are meticulously cleaned, and many people prioritise buying new clothes. It’s common for people to travel long distances to their ancestral home, so they can attend church and big family reunions.

While gift-giving isn’t common, many families save money for months to buy ingredients for an elaborate Christmas feast. With all that effort, it’s not surprising that celebrations continue all day and into the night!

Solomon Islands  

Nathanial, a local pastor who volunteers in the Solomon Islands shared what Christmas is like in his community. 

‘Christmas is a time of celebration for the whole community, because we believe in God, and we believe in his son’ he said. ‘When it’s Christmas time, we make birthday cake and we say, “Happy Birthday, Jesus!”—it’s a birthday cake so big it takes four people to carry it to the front of the church! Then the Chief Elder will cut the cake, and we all sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.’ 

You can stand alongside local leaders like Nathanial in the Solomon Islands and around the world with a gift to the Baptist World Aid Christmas Appeal.

Please give generously this Christmas so that families everywhere can thrive in good health and look forward to a future without poverty.  

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Feature image: Canva

As Christmas approaches, many people feel a familiar mix of excitement and exhaustion. The end-of-year rush doesn’t magically disappear once work wraps up.

Instead, it often shifts into a different kind of pressure organising events, managing family expectations, and trying to create the “perfect” Christmas.

Conflict and negotiation specialist Sarah Blake says this is one of the most common traps people fall into at this time of year. Instead of slowing down, we carry burnout straight into the holidays.

The Myth of the “Perfect” Christmas

One of the biggest Christmas myths is that everything should look effortless. The house should be spotless. The food should be flawless. Everyone should get along.

“That pressure is unrealistic,” Sarah says. “And when things inevitably go wrong because we’re human it can feel devastating”.

This expectation often falls more heavily on women, who can feel they should be able to manage everything without complaint. But trying to meet impossible standards only increases stress and resentment.

The solution? Let go of perfection.

“Aim for good enough,” Sarah says. “Expect messy. It takes the pressure off and allows you to actually be present”.

Why Boundaries Matter at Christmas

Another common myth is that setting boundaries will upset people. As a result, many of us let boundaries slide in an effort to keep everyone happy.

But Sarah says the opposite is true.

“Boundaries aren’t about harming relationships,” she explains. “They’re about self-respect and self-care. Without them, you burn out and then you don’t enjoy Christmas anyway”.

Boundaries help manage emotional, physical, and relational risks during an already demanding season.

What Healthy Christmas Boundaries Look Like

Healthy boundaries don’t have to be complicated. They just need to be clear.

Time Boundaries

If you’re invited to multiple events, it’s okay to set limits. You might say you can only stay for two hours or need to leave early due to other commitments. Clear expectations reduce guilt and prevent exhaustion.

Emotional Boundaries

Christmas isn’t always the right time for heavy conversations. If you don’t have the capacity, it’s okay to say, “I care about this, but I don’t have the headspace to talk about it today”.

Family Boundaries

Family obligations can feel especially complex. Sarah suggests being upfront and fair. That might mean attending Christmas breakfast instead of the whole day, or alternating celebrations year to year so everyone’s needs are respected.

Six practical ways to make Christmas more enjoyable

To help families survive the holiday season, Sarah shares six simple strategies:

1. Drop the perfection pressure
   Good enough is good enough. Let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on the moment
2. Alternate busy and rest days
   If Christmas Day is full-on, plan a quieter recovery day afterwards. Rest is not a luxury it’s essential.
3. Plan for self-care
   Think of this as emotional health and safety. Whether it’s a walk, a coffee alone, or quiet time by the beach, prioritise space to recharge.
4. Create a holiday activity menu
   Put a list on the fridge with free activities, low-cost options, and simple jobs kids can do. It removes decision fatigue and helps manage long school holidays.
5. Do daily check-ins
   A quick family check-in can help everyone reflect on how they’re going, what’s coming up, and what they’re grateful for. It keeps small frustrations from becoming big problems.
6. Use humour
   Laughter softens tension. Lightening the mood can make difficult moments easier to navigate 

A Kinder Way to Approach Christmas

At its heart, Christmas isn’t about flawless execution. It’s about connection.

By letting go of unrealistic expectations, setting clear boundaries, and being gentler with ourselves and others, the season becomes far more meaningful and far more enjoyable.

As Sarah puts it, curiosity, kindness, and humour can go a long way in helping everyone arrive at Christmas a little less stressed and a lot more present.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

The holiday season can be a joyful time filled with family, friends, and community events, but it can also feel a little overwhelming.

Between Christmas, Black Friday, and all the festive sales, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. With some planning, intention, and smart strategies, you can enjoy the season, stay on top of your shopping, and keep your budget in check. Remember, the season can be enjoyed in lots of ways, whether or not gifts are part of your celebration.

Planning ahead for the holiday season is something many experts recommend, so we’ve put together some local, budget-friendly tips to help you navigate the Christmas rush with confidence. 

1. Set a Local-Friendly Christmas Budget

Start with a realistic spending limit – per person or for your total list. Using cash or a separate “Christmas account” can help curb impulse spending.

2. Embrace Secret Santa or Name Draws

At larger family gatherings, we recently introduced Secret Santa system – and it’s been such a stress-saver. Instead of buying for everyone, each person draws just one name for the kiddos under 18. It keeps costs low, makes gifting more intentional, and removes so much pressure. Best of all, it frees us up to focus on what we really want to do on Christmas Day: bless the kids, enjoy time together, and actually be present with each other.

3. Shop Early at Local Markets & Pop-Ups

Beat the crowds (and last-minute price hikes) by visiting markets early. Handmade gifts, artisan goods, and stalls often offer great value -plus you’re supporting small businesses.

4. Use Click & Collect or Midweek Shopping

Avoid impulse buys by browsing online and picking up in-store. If you prefer shopping in person, try going midweek – many stores quietly drop prices before the weekend rush.

5. Get Creative with Experiences & DIY Gifts

Swap “more stuff” for meaningful memories: local art workshops, experiences, or movie-night packs with treats. DIY hampers, homemade baking, and personalised bundles can be thoughtful and affordable.

6. Shop Smart with Sales, Loyalty Programs & Second-Hand Finds

Sign up for local store newsletters to catch early deals, use cashback apps, and don’t overlook op-shops and vintage stores. 

7. Buy in Bulk & Split Gifts (or Use Your Skills!)

Bulk-buy items like candles, honey, soaps, or festive treats and divide them into smaller, themed bundles. Or offer what you already have – babysitting, pet-sitting, lawn care, or a coffee catch-up voucher. Gifts don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. 

This season, as you plan, shop, and celebrate, remember that the heart of Christmas is about Jesus – His love, hope, and the gift of His presence in our lives. Take time to enjoy your community, make memories with family and friends, and reflect on the true reason for the season. And if you don’t lean into all the Christmas shopping or gift-giving, that’s okay – it doesn’t have to be all about presents. Focus on connection, gratitude, and sharing His love with those around you.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Article supplied with thanks to Rhema 99.7.

About the Author: Audrey Waugh is a writer who works in marketing at Rhema 99.7.

Feature image: Canva

Never waste a good Advent season I say!  Never waste the opportunity that this slim time in the church calendar gives us to offer our people – and the watching world – a fully orbed biblical picture of God’s plan to save the world through his covenant relationship with his people Israel.

God has no Plan B. Only a Plan A. But for so many Christians, we forget that. You see, the average carol service at an evangelical church in the West these days is something of an aberration.

For a few brief weeks, a church culture that has often psychologised, therapeutised and individualised the core tenets of the gospel in so much of its music, starts singing deep biblical truths grounded in the “hopes and fears of all the years”.

What hopes? Well the hopes of the covenant people of God that he will send a rescuer to put the world right and usher in justice, that’s what hopes.  What fears? That God won’t!  The best Christmas carols are just another reminder that God has no Plan B and that every blessing he has ever planned is met and fulfilled in his Christ, the Lord Jesus.

Which means, for our increasingly biblically illiterate churches (never mind the culture), Advent season is a crucial teaching period. A chance to take a deeper dive into what the Bible is actually all about.

During Advent the most seeker-sensitive church that is all about felt-needs, or the most biblically-reductionistic church that cherry-picks its way through the Scriptures looking for proof texts, suddenly get all “biblical theology” as they focus on the key passages  in the gospel of Matthew and Luke, that speak of the coming Messiah.

Granted, that will all finish by the 26th December, but I live in hope that for some churches this season may be the start of asking deeper questions about what all that murky stuff in the Old Testament that rarely sees the light of day in most churches, is all about.

There’s a reason those first few chapters in the Gospel accounts are designed to sound so familiar to readers of the Old Testament. It’s because they are the cross-over chapters.  They are the bridge, and they’re written to ensure that we get that they are the bridge!

The language used, the format presented, the dovetailing with the prophetic hopes, and the undercurrent of hope, did not spring out of thin air. They are grounded in Israel’s hope and consolation. They are fulfilment theology. And we sing that theology, wittingly or unwittingly every Christmas.

Go through those carols you’ve been singing. See how steeped they are in the language of the Old Testament. The best carol writers knew their Bibles. They knew the end-focus of the promises as yet unfulfilled. And of course the New Testament writers, overwhelmingly Jewish, knew it also.

That’s why we read such promised soaked passages such as this:

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scripture sregarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power.” – Romans 1:1-4a

The promised gospel (the good news of God’s salvation), now brought to Gentiles who were outside the covenant of Israel, and as Ephesians 2 says, without God and without hope in the world.

But now…

But now…

The Advent season is the celebration of the “but now” of Ephesians 2:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

And of course Ephesians 2 is not about the replacement of one people with another, but of the bringing together of two peoples at odds with each other (Jew and Gentle) in order to create the “one new human” that God has always intended for humanity to be. And to do so in his promised Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

This “bringing together” that we sing of and celebrate at Advent, struck me hard this past week visiting the St Peter’s Catholic Church in Jaffa in Tel Aviv.

There in that ancient port city (the place Jonah fled from in order to refuse God’s global mission, and the same place St Peter was gifted the vision that preceded the start of God’s global mission to Gentiles in Acts 10), the church itself has a timely reminder in striking visual and architectural form.

I walked into the church and was met with three striking pieces of art: First, facing the East was what seemed like an oddly placed set of doors. Then in the middle of the church was this striking pulpit that was shaped like a tree, with trunk and branches. And finally, facing West, was a painting of that famous Acts 10 scene, with Peter protesting the command by God to rise and kill and eat unclean foods.

I’ve added them in here even though my limited tech abilities leave a lot to be desired in terms of formatting!

And what’s the point of this architecture and art at St Peter’s on Jaffa (apart from reminding low-evangelical Protestants how they have wasted the opportunity to teach their people theological truths in passive ways by their rejection of architecture as a teaching method)?

It’s the pulpit shaped like a tree in the middle of the church. What sort of tree? Not just any tree. An olive tree!  It’s a reminder of Romans 11, and it’s both a warning and a promise:If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,  do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: you do not support the root, but the root supports you.  You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’  Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.  For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. (Romans 11:17-21)

Right there in St Peter’s Jaffa, the pulpit sits between the East and the temple of God, and the West and the global mission of God. It straddles the hopes expressed and the hopes realised that God is fulfilling his mission.

It announces that the New Testament is not replacing the Old Testament, but fulfilling it. And, more importantly, as Paul reminds the Roman Gentile Christians, they are not the start of God’s Plan B, but the fulfilment of God’s Plan A.

And what’s the point of Romans 11? Don’t fall into the mistake the Old Testament people of God fell into, that somehow their heritage rendered them superior. You’re not. The same sin will result in the same condemnation.

Indeed, it’s harder to graft us in than it will be to see the natural branches restored. Paul can say all of that with blushing. He would make for a terrible modern evangelical.

We would do well to consider St Peter’s Catholic Church in Jaffa and see, in striking visual form, God’s salvation plan for the whole world, planned before time, begun in seed form with his promises to Abraham, and fulfilled in the promised Messiah, the Lord Jesus.

Jaffa launched the grumpy mission to the world via Jonah. It launched the reluctant mission to the world via Peter. Jaffa is proof that God has no Plan B, but only a Plan A that encapsulates every human, indeed all of creation.

And we may not think about that enough, but at Advent we get the chance to sing about it enough. So let’s sing the truths about God’s fulfilment of Plan A with gusto!

Article supplied with thanks to Stephen McAlpine

About the Author: Stephen has been reading, writing and reflecting ever since he can remember. A former church pastor, he now trains church and ministry leaders, and in his writing dabbles in a number of fields, notably theology and culture.

Feature image: Canva

And how Three Wise Men and A Baby Breaks the Mould

The Christmas movie has become its own cosy little universe: twinkling lights, small towns, meet-cutes in snowstorms, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Viewers know exactly what they’re signing up for – and they love it.

But every now and then, a film comes along that keeps all the heart and comfort of the well-loved formula… while quietly bending the rules.

That’s where Three Wise Men and A Baby shines.

This film doesn’t just slip into the same old Christmas movie line-up – it stands out with a sharp, witty script, genuinely layered character arcs, and a rare, male-led emotional story that feels both fresh and deeply heartfelt.

The Classic Christmas Formula (and Why We Love It)

Before we talk about how THREE WISE MEN AND A BABY breaks the mould, it’s worth acknowledging why traditional Christmas movies have done so well over the years:

• A familiar structure: A big-city professional comes home, meets someone special, and rediscovers what really matters.
• A cosy setting: Snow-covered streets, decorated town squares, Christmas markets, and family homes filled with fairy lights.
• Emotional safety: No matter the obstacles, viewers know things will work out. Heartache is temporary; love and hope win.

This predictability isn’t a flaw – it’s part of the appeal. For many, Christmas movies are a seasonal comfort blanket.

But with so many films following a similar pattern, it takes something special for one title to truly stand out.

Enter Three Wise Men and A Baby: Same Heart, New Shape

On paper, Three Wise Men and A Baby sounds simple: three brothers are unexpectedly tasked with caring for an abandoned baby in the lead-up to Christmas. But instead of centring a romantic storyline, the film leans into family, brotherhood, and personal growth.

Right away, that’s a significant shift:

The primary relationship is between the brothers, not a couple.

The baby isn’t just a “cute prop” – he’s the catalyst for every emotional breakthrough.

Romance exists, but it’s not the only or even the main point of the story.

This reorientation gives the film a fresh energy. It still feels warm, festive and uplifting – but the emotional core is different and, in many ways, more surprising.

A Witty Script That Actually Makes You Laugh Out Loud

Christmas movies are known for sweet dialogue and heartfelt lines, but Three Wise Men and A Baby goes further with a script that leans confidently into comedy.

You get:

Quick-fire banter between the brothers, full of dry humour and sibling sarcasm.

Physical comedy, from chaotic nappy changes to sleep-deprived mishaps.

Self-aware moments that gently poke fun at the situation without ever mocking the genre.

The humour feels organic to the characters rather than tacked on. These aren’t perfect, polished heroes; they’re slightly messy, frequently overwhelmed, and often hilariously out of their depth.

That balance – heartfelt story plus genuinely funny writing – is one of the reasons you’ll keep coming back to this film, even when you already know what happens.

Character Arcs with Real Depth (Not Just Seasonal Sparkle)

One of the most impressive things about Three Wise Men and A Baby is how much character growth it packs into a light, festive story.

Each brother starts from a place of personal struggle:

• One is emotionally guarded or burnt out.
• Another might be stuck in a rut or feeling like a failure.
• Another is trying to prove they’re responsible and capable.

Caring for the baby forces them to confront those issues -not in a heavy-handed way, but through small, meaningful moments:

• Late-night feeds that turn into honest conversations.
• Frustrating mishaps that reveal old wounds between the brothers.
• Tiny victories (like successfully getting the baby to sleep) that build confidence and connection.

By the end of the film, it’s not just the Christmas tree that’s transformed – they are. And crucially, their growth feels earned:

They fail sometimes.

They argue.

They own up to past mistakes.

That level of emotional nuance isn’t always present in lighter holiday fare, and it’s a big part of why Three Wise Men and A Baby feels so satisfying.

A Male-Led Emotional Story: A Refreshing Shift in Perspective

Perhaps the most groundbreaking element of Three Wise Men and a Baby is how unapologetically it centres men having feelings – and doing so in a way that’s tender, vulnerable, and still funny.

In many rom-com movies, male characters are there to support the heroine’s journey. Here, the men are the emotional core:

• They wrestle with identity, expectations, and their place in the family.
• They learn to communicate better with each other.
• They’re given full permission to be nurturing, soft, and protective – without losing their humour or individuality.

The film normalises:

• Men bonding over caring for a child.
• Men admitting they’re scared or unsure.
• Men showing love through everyday actions, not just grand gestures.

In a genre that often leans on familiar gender dynamics, this is a quiet but powerful evolution. A Christmas movie can tell emotionally rich stories from different angles, without losing the cosy charm audiences love.

Same Familiar Heart – Just a Brighter Glow

For all the ways Three Wise Men and A Baby breaks the mould, it never forgets where it comes from:

• There’s still Christmas magic: lights, decorations, festive events.
• There’s still comfort: you know things will work out, even in the chaos.
• There’s still love: romantic, familial, and community love all woven into the story.

What makes this movie special is that it proves something important about the Christmas movie universe:

You can evolve the formula without losing the heart.

By blending a witty script, rich character arcs, and a male-led emotional journey,  Three Wise Men and A Baby shows that Christmas movies can be familiar and fresh at the same time – and that there’s plenty of room under the mistletoe for new kinds of stories.

Article supplied with thanks to GOOD.

About the Author: Sharon Fitness is a movie buff, foodie, dog lover and tv fan.

Feature image: Supplied (Publicity Image Supplied and Used With Permission)

Across Australia, many people are asking an unexpected question: Is the nation rediscovering the real meaning of Christmas?

Jacob Hill from the Australian Christian Lobby believes it’s already happening.

During a recent conversation, he noted the cultural shift taking place. “I saw reports that the nativity scene is coming back to Melbourne,” he said. “That’s a really cool idea… something pretty special.”

His surprise reflects a broader movement. Even in places known for progressive politics, traditions once pushed aside are returning.

Why Christian Heritage Still Matters

Hill explains that this renewed interest connects to something deeper, Australia’s foundations.

He said, “Our Constitution has to be taken in the context that we live depending on the mercy of God. It was a Christian country, and we can’t back away from that.”

He argues that Australians have long tried to be accommodating. For years, many stepped back to avoid offence. But now that goodwill seems stretched thin.

“We’ve compromised and given up who we are,” Hill said. “People are realising we’ve crossed the line.”

The Power of Christmas in a Divided Culture

Even in a time of division, Hill believes Christmas still holds cultural power.

“When you look at the first Christmas,” he said, “the message was, ‘The Savior has come.’ Humans are in need of a Savior… it’s part of who we are as Australians. If we lose that, we’re losing who we are.”

He says Christmas keeps pointing us back to hope, redemption, and the belief that Australia should be a blessing to others.

Keeping the Story Relevant in a Changing Culture

How do Australians hold on to the Christmas story while culture continues to shift? According to Hill, we need to stop overthinking it.

“We put too much pressure on ourselves to quantify everything,” he said. Instead, he points to a simple biblical instruction: “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope we’ve got.”

He emphasises that how we share faith matters just as much as what we share. “Peter tells us to do it with gentleness and respect,” he said. “Keep your communications Christlike, gentleness, kindness, love.”

Why Young Australians Are Returning to Faith

One of the most surprising trends is the rise of Gen Z exploring Christianity. Hill says young people are asking tougher questions and thinking more critically than previous generations.

“They’re looking at what has been presented as fact and saying, ‘That doesn’t add up,’” he said. But when they investigate faith, they find consistency. “Once you look at it properly, you see the truth that is there.”

For many younger Australians, faith offers stability, identity, and belonging.

Christmas Still Declares Hope

Christmas continues to resonate across generations because of what it represents.

Hill explains, “Christmas expresses family, togetherness, sharing. That gels with people, especially young people.”

He believes this is why so many still hold onto the season, even if they aren’t deeply religious. The celebration itself points to hope, identity, and community, values Australians deeply treasure.

“Christmas is a declaration that we have a bright future,” he said. “It resonates with most Australians.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Romance? Check. Minimal drama? Check. Christmas? Check.

Need I say more? Mary-Anne O’Connor has written my perfect novel!

Christmas Joy introduces us to a young woman, Miss Joy Parker, who has a vibrant, contagious love for life. 

Everywhere she goes, Joy exudes kindness and generosity and suffice to say, when Christmas time comes around it lifts her spirits even higher.

While she may not have much in the way of material possessions and wealth, and even though her employer seems determined to try and steal her sparkle, Joy doesn’t let that get her down as she continues to care for those less fortunate than herself.

Things take a turn for Joy when she is introduced to the new Earl of the village, and she finds herself pulled into the world of debutante balls, gossip, and scandal.

Will Joy be able to stay true to herself and her family values, or will she be caught up in the drama of high-end society and royalty, especially when the heart gets involved?

In a world where discouragement can easily creep in, having something festive and wholesome to get lost in is very important, and Mary-Anne O’Connor gives us that gift within these pages.

I highly recommend adding this to your Christmas reading list, or gift it to someone you know who loves getting lost in all-things-romance! It is an easy read that will leave you encouraged to step out and give to others, whilst taking note of all the wonderful things happening around you.

Psalm 118:24 (ESV) – This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

For combining all the elements I love in one package, I give this book 5 stars.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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On Christmas Day, 1914, bitter enemies laid down their weapons and for a brief moment, gave peace a chance.

In 1914, an unlikely event took place so unexpected that it’s often believed to be a myth. Yet there is good historical evidence that it indeed happened. 

“The Christmas truce” refers to Christmas Day during The Great War (World War I) when German and British soldiers on the front line of the Western Front put down their weapons and celebrated Christmas together. Instead of shooting each other, as they had been doing, they sang Christmas carols, buried their dead, exchanged gifts and even played football (soccer). 

These men, who had been mortal enemies, decided for a brief time in the middle of unimaginable horror, that they would celebrate Christmas, sometimes against the wishes of their commanders. 

The Great War had been brewing for some time before it broke out in Europe. Many of the young men (especially the Germans) had been raised on a wave of nationalistic pride. Told they would be embarking on an adventure and that the war would be over by Christmas, eager volunteers signed up across Europe. Yet, crushing reality soon sank in. The trenches were dirty, held stagnant water and were a breeding ground for disease. In his poignant poetry documenting the war, Wilfred Owen, who was killed just months before the Armistice, paints the picture of a young man who has been gassed, thrown on a wagon “eyes writhing in his face”, blood “gargling from froth-corrupted lungs”. 

The poet finishes his poem with these lines. 

“My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory,

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori.”1

“Sweet and fitting it is to die for one’s country.” That Latin saying had been a catchcry glorifying and softening the brutal, life-ending realities of war. The young men who were told they would sweep in and vanquish the enemy, returning to a heroes’ welcome, soon woke up from their fantasy, senses assaulted by the insistent boom of shells, the clinging mud and stink of the trenches. 

Yet on Christmas Day, 1914, some places along the front saw a break in the fighting. Reports from the Imperial War Museum (IWM) verify the soldiers’ tales. 

The IWM documentary The Christmas Truce features recorded interviews with soldiers who experienced this unlikely event. 

Marmaduke Walkinton of the Queen’s Westminsters said, “We were in the front line. We were about 300 yards from the Germans . . . on Christmas Eve, we’d been singing carols and this, that and the other, and the Germans had been doing the same, and we’d been shouting to each other, sometimes rude remarks, more often just joking remarks.

Eventually a German said, ‘Tomorrow you no shoot, we no shoot’.”

Somehow, the suggestion stuck. “What was interesting at Christmas is that both sides actually started to communicate in more friendly terms,” said Anthony Richards, IWM head of documents and sound. “It really began with the Germans singing Christmas carols and setting up Christmas trees on top of their parapets. And so, they came to very much empathise with one another.”  

A German artillery officer, only known as Mr Rickner, shares, “I remember the Christmas Day when the German and the French soldiers left their trenches, went to the barbed wire between them with champagne and cigarettes in their hands and had feelings of fraternisation and shouted that they wanted to finish the war. And that lasted only two days . . . and then strict orders came that no fraternisation was allowed, and we had to stay back in our trenches.” 

Officers were worried that such fraternisation would dampen the men’s enthusiasm for battle. 

This truce was not negotiated in a board room by leaders, nor banged out in the exchange of hostages or with concessions. It was the simple desire of young men to not fight and die on Christmas. People at home were incredulous about the reports. They didn’t believe that the enemy, who had been demonised and dehumanised, could exchange such pleasantries with their “boys”. 

Yet the event did happen—not everywhere and not for long—but up and down the front. On the eastern front, Russian soldiers who had been bombarding the Polish fortress of Przemyśl left three Christmas trees in no-man’s land with a polite note to the defenders: “We wish you, the heroes of Przemyśl, a Merry Christmas and hope that we can come to a peaceful agreement as soon as possible.”2

In our society today, Christmas has become known for the saccharine sweetness of jingles, rich food and an excessive display of materialism as parents fight in aisles over presents for their children. Even the “spirit of Christmas” has become a bit of an urban legend—a nebulous concept of generosity and sacrifice. 

Christians around the world celebrate Christmas to mark the occasion of the birth of Jesus. While scholars would agree that Jesus’ actual birthday is not December 25, the date has been part of Christian tradition for more than a millennium and while some get bogged down in that detail, many around the world celebrate the nativity. 

The Gospel of Luke has one retelling of the story. An angel comes to a group of shepherds in the Judean countryside and proclaims to them that a special baby has been born. 

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10–12, NKJV3).

The shepherds would have had something in common with the men in the trenches of Europe. They were rough, uncultured men, probably from lower classes of society. They were accustomed to sleeping in rough terrain and to going without. 

Yet, they heard the message of this heavenly messenger, when kings and rulers would not. Luke tells us that with this angel, a host appeared singing this phrase: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (2:14)

“Peace and goodwill toward men.” This phrase brings some insight into the mission and purpose of this “Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths” who was to be the Saviour of the world. “Saviour” means “one who saves” or “rescues”. Jesus, the Baby who was born that day, is that Saviour. 

Jesus showed His followers a new way. He encouraged them to love their enemies, going against human nature. If someone does me wrong, my natural inclination is to repay them in kind. Yet Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the One who came to bring peace. The kind of peace Jesus wants to bring doesn’t last for a day. He wants to bring wholeness to you and me, to restore broken relationships, to heal cultural and national divides, to have former enemies put down their weapons and share gifts and an embrace. The choir of angels wished for peace on earth and in this broken world, we still long for peace.  

Our world is wracked by war and suffering and yet, when we remember Christmas, we are encouraged to heal hurts and be peace makers, even with our enemies.

The Bible records that the shepherds—captivated by this vision of peace—came “with haste” to the place and found the Baby they had been told about, before telling everyone they knew of the strange encounter. Perhaps like the Christmas truce, some didn’t believe them. But those rough men would remember that encounter for the rest of their lives. 

Let us pray for peace this Christmas. 

Article supplied with thanks to Sign of the Times Magazine.

About the Author: Jarrod Stackelroth is the editor of Signs of the Times South Pacific and Adventist Record.

Feature image: Supplied

Building connection with your neighbours at Christmas is all about keeping it real.

Christmas can be a moment to reach out to your neighbours, offering a hand of friendship and connection.

Ten years ago, we received a note in our letterbox. It was an invitation to a simple street party at the home of one of our neighbours.

There was nothing complicated or over the top about the gathering. Held a couple of days before Christmas in our host’s front yard, neighbours from up and down the cul-de-sac brought a plate to share and our new friend cooked up hot dogs for the children.

It was a laid-back time of meeting neighbours, hearing stories and marking the moment together.

Our children made new friends, we had names for the faces of the people who lived around us, and our street became a neighbourhood.

And it all started with one person taking the time to gather their neighbours together. It wasn’t expensive or fancy, all it took was some initiative and a willingness to invite others in.

What Can You Do?

There are endless ways you can connect with your neighbours. Some will take more effort than others, so pace yourself and do what works for you.

• Gather neighbours together for afternoon tea. If everyone brings something, it won’t be too much work and there’ll be a shared sense of making it happen.
• A breakfast BBQ is a fun way to get together without any need to dress up or worry about desserts or drinks.
• Bake your favourite treats and share them around. Cookies, shortbread, gingerbread or fudge. Everyone likes a treat they didn’t make themselves.
• Christmas cards. As we use email and text more and more to stay connected, cards and letters are becoming rarer. The upside is that yours will stand out! Take the time to write a card and pop it in a letterbox or knock on the door to hand deliver it.
• If you like to be crafty and creative, try your hand at handmaking Christmas decorations and deliver them to your neighbours.
• Have a swimming pool in your backyard? Host a summer pool party for your neighbours. You could wait until after Christmas and enjoy some down time when everyone is ready to relax together.
• For the adventurous, you could try hosting your own Christmas carols for the neighbourhood. My aunt and uncle have done this for over thirty years and now call their neighbours friends.

What Are You Waiting For?

Perhaps you’ve thought about reaching out to your neighbours before, but life’s been too busy, you’ve simply run out of time, or you’ve been worried about how your efforts might be received.

Before you decide it’s all too hard, take a moment to look at it from your neighbour’s perspective. What would it mean to you if someone reached out in a spirit of neighbourliness and generosity this year?

More and more we live in the cocoons of our homes, cars and offices. Less and less time is spent out there in the real world with people who literally live right next door. All it takes is someone brave to change that.

Be The Change

Do you want to meet your neighbours? Do you long to see your neighbourhood become more connected? If you’re thinking that way, it’s more than likely that the people around you are too.

Take the risk and reach out. You could be the one to bring the change to your neighbourhood that everyone is waiting for.

All it could take is a Christmas card.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva