Christmas Day

Rector's Christmas Message 2025

Grace and Peace to you, in the name of ourIncarnate Lord andSaviour!

Peace on earth and goodwill to all (pax et bonum).

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts." ( Matthew 2: 10,11)

My prayer for you this Christmas is that you will be overjoyed, at the arrival of Jesus. At this time of year many people visit family and re-establish relationships by spending time together, and how we anticipate and adore the arrival of loved ones and as we are assured of our unity as family we acclaim our love for each other by being present to one another.

So may we at Christmas re-establish relationship with God through Jesus. May we see our relationship with fresh eyes and fresh hope.

I want to share with you in these beautiful words written byRevdVanda Chittenden (tssf).

It is a reflection on Mary's visit to Elizabeth.

"Mary goes to Elizabeth, a woman who also carries a miracle shaped by long waiting and deep trust. Their meeting is marked by recognition before explanation. Before words can be carefully chosen, joy rises. The child in Elizabeth's womb leaps, and Elizabeth herself is filled with the Holy Spirit. Something holy passes between them, carried not through argument or proof, but through presence.

This encounter reveals something essential about the life of faith. God's work within us is never meant to remain isolated. It seeks community. It finds strength in companionship. Mary does not journey alone with her calling. She moves toward relationship, toward shared joy, toward a space where grace can be named aloud and received with thanksgiving.

Elizabeth's words affirm Mary in a way that steadies her spirit. "Blessed is she who believed." Mary is named as one who trusted God's promise. This blessing does not erase the uncertainty ahead, but it anchors Mary in the truth that her openness to God matters. Her faith isrecognised. Her courage is spoken aloud. Her story is held gently by another.

There is a tenderness in this scene that speaks deeply into our own spiritual journeys. We, too, need companions whorecogniseGod's work within us. We need voices that bless faith when it feels fragile. We need places where joy can rise freely and where the Spirit can speak through shared presence. Mary and Elizabeth show us that faith grows stronger when it is welcomed into relationship."

May we follow this pattern in our own lives and as we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Jesus, may our hope and faith, leap with joy. May we embrace the new life that we have been given and live out the Christmas story in our community. May we be a community where the spirit of Mary and Elizabeth's relationship is emulated.

The Birth of Jesus, brings about transformation in our lives as we embrace the task of "being human."The Christmas story is a narrative of living in the world but not of it. It brings a balance to the story of us living to leave this world. It speaks of us living to love this world, that God sent his one and only Son into, to be incarnate and set an example of how to live and worship God and then, ascended to be the head of the body the church. As we await the fulfilment of God's promises, not just for us but for the world. Our adoration becomes the acclamation of our assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. Our desire becomes the desire of nations, for everyone seeks peace, but only in Christ is peace found in living life with others and not seeking dominance over them.

Through Christ we have the fullness of God dwelling in us. Day by day we should grow in wisdom and stature, and live out this wisdom and stature in service and humility.

May 2026 be a year where each of us "leap with joy" for the presence of God. Leap into prayer, and action; that the world may know Christ as we know him, as ourSaviourand King. The faithful and Righteous one, Emmanual.

Merry Christmas.

Lara and Iwould like to thank you all for your love and support. This year has been a year of great transition for us and your prayers and love have carried us through. Noah changed schools and completed Grade 11. Jess finished her Degree and got accepted intoHonours. Matt and Jamie and James are building their lives overseas and Jono and Nic continue to build their careers and embrace life's challenges. You have seen us through health issues and helped us as we have built on this new beginning and for that we are grateful.

Continue to pray for us as we dwell among you and minister with you to this community.

Be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones, far and near this Christmas.

Christ go before us, Christ go beside us Christ go behind us and within us.

From one who walks as a Deacon among you.

Andrew

RectorUmhlali

Christmastide 2025