THIS CHRISTMAS, REACH OUT AND RECONNECT
WHY is Christmas so important? What separates Christmas from other national celebrations? There is something intangible that is in the air on Christmas Day; a wellentrenched soothing mood that brings society to a standstill.
Weeks of retail sales, red and green advertising and the planning of family or friend get-togethers culminating on the same day in December every year.
One might argue that
Christmas is so important because of its Christian origins. As a minister in The Salvation Army, I would certainly agree with this. But, even still, other than the centrality of our Easter celebrations, there is that unique feeling that is in the air in the days leading up to our Christmas Day celebrations.
The answer, I think, is people. The fact that Christmas offers an opportunity for much of the world to stop and celebrate with one another. Families reuniting and connecting over a meal, those without a local family joining friends on Christmas Day, even those most lonely and isolated in our community reaching out to organisations like The Salvation Army, which offers a place of community and belonging all year round, but even more so at Christmas.
It has become a resounding cliche, but after the year we have had in Australia, it seems like Christmas this year could be more important than ever for one simple reason: People. Much of the country has been isolated for most or part of the year, separated from friends, family and colleagues.
So, this Christmas could offer us, as a community, the perfect opportunity to celebrate and connect with one another once again.
This Christmas, I’d encourage you to check in on your friends, your work colleagues and neighbours to simply connect once again as a community. Why not invite someone to your Christmas Day lunch, someone who otherwise might not have anywhere to go or people to connect with at Christmas?
The Salvation Army counts it a privilege to serve those within Australia who are doing it tough. If you need support this Christmas, please reach out to your local Salvos. Visit salvationarmy.org.au Major Bruce Harmer, The Salvation Army