The John Lennon song ‘So this is Christmas’ asks a question ‘and what have you done’? It connects the celebration of Christmas with our action and activity and in the lyrics leads us into the reality of the experiences of peoples. It makes the case that Christmas is about change.  

In the birth of Jesus, God is at work. God expresses a depth of grace and love in the vulnerability of a displaced family and their newborn baby placed in a borrowed animal feeding trough. 

The birth of Jesus in a time of political oppression and control is not about invincibility, control and victory – it is about openness, solidarity and risk. God is incarnate in Jesus and is present in the helplessness of a baby.

There are connections between the realities of today and 2000 years ago. Racial and political oppression continue. Many are vulnerable to displacement resulting from war, climate change and disaster. People are abused and discriminated against. First Peoples around the world struggle for recognition and justice, and in Australia the intent of the Statement from the Heart is politicised.

What can we say at Christmas? What is to be done? We can be clear and celebrate that love, justice and compassion have the last word. Further we can act in ways that express such goodness so that new life and hope grow. 

May the grace and beauty of Christmas create hope in us and guide our actions. 

Rev John Gilmore, President
National Council of Churches in Australia