St Theodore's

Wattle Park

The Vicar's Christmas Letter 2006

"My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." The words continue to resonate with us as we contemplate the amazing events in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago. God has stooped low in taking human form, in raising us up who deserve nothing of his love.

God has looked with favour on us his creatures, just as he looked with favour on Mary. The angel announced to the shepherds "On earth peace among those whom God favours!" We may be fallen human beings, but God's favour still rests on us. He still looks at us and sees his own image shining through the distorted glass of our lives.

He sends Jesus, in his mercy, to rescue us by the strength of his mighty arm. He raises us up to the point of being his own sons and daughters even though we could never aspire to such glory.

The birth of Jesus Christ is a miracle at so many levels. Some wonder whether a virgin birth is possible, but how much more difficult is it for God to change our fallen bodies to be like his glorious body; to change our sinful, self-centred wills to conform to his perfect will?

   This is the true miracle of Christ coming among us. God has made it possible for our broken, fallen selves to be restored to his original design. God has restored the relationship between him and us so that we can now worship him in Spirit and in truth.

   This Christmas may we reflect on the miracle of that restored relationship and may we reflect God's love in the relationships we have with those around us. May the light of God's love shine through us into this darkened world so others may come to the light of Christ.

   Let me encourage you again to keep your mind firmly fixed on Jesus Christ, the one who brings peace to God's creation, as you come to celebrate with friends and families.

   May your Christmas be a joyous, Christ-centred time and the New Year bring you many blessings from the Father of lights, the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

   Di and I wish you all a very happy Christmas, filled with God's blessing. May God fill you with all good things this Christmas, enabling you to serve him to the full in the year to come.

   Chris & Di

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	"My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." The words continue to resonate with us as we contemplate the amazing events in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago. God has stooped low in taking human form, in raising us up who deserve nothing of his love.
	God has looked with favour on us his creatures, just as he looked with favour on Mary. The angel announced to the shepherds "On earth peace among those whom God favours!" We may be fallen human beings, but God's favour still rests on us. He still looks at us and sees his own image shining through the distorted glass of our lives.
	He sends Jesus, in his mercy, to rescue us by the strength of his mighty arm. He raises us up to the point of being his own sons and daughters even though we could never aspire to such glory.
	The birth of Jesus Christ is a miracle at so many levels. Some wonder whether a virgin birth is possible, but how much more difficult is it for God to change our fallen bodies to be like his glorious body; to change our sinful, self-centred wills to conform to his perfect will?
	This is the true miracle of Christ coming among us. God has made it possible for our broken, fallen selves to be restored to his original design. God has restored the relationship between him and us so that we can now worship him in Spirit and in truth.
	This Christmas may we reflect on the miracle of that restored relationship and may we reflect God's love in the relationships we have with those around us. May the light of God's love shine through us into this darkened world so others may come to the light of Christ.
	Let me encourage you again to keep your mind firmly fixed on Jesus Christ, the one who brings peace to God's creation, as you come to celebrate with friends and families.
	May your Christmas be a joyous, Christ-centred time and the New Year bring you many blessings from the Father of lights, the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
	Di and I wish you all a very happy Christmas, filled with God's blessing. May God fill you with all good things this Christmas, enabling you to serve him to the full in the year to come.
	Chris & Di