Moderator’s Christmas Message 2014

Uniting Church Moderator prays for a safer world this Christmas

In her 2014 Christmas message, the Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, the Rev. Myung Hwa Park urges people to bear witness to the truth of the Christmas message – “Peace on earth among those whom God favours.”

Christmas message from the Rev. Myung Hwa Park

Christmas is a time when many people return home to where they feel most safe and most connected. This Christmas we can help to create a more connected safer world for everybody by connecting with family and community.

Christmas is a time for celebrating the joy and peace that Christ the Messiah brings to our world.

According to Saint Luke, (Luke 2:14), the birth of Jesus Christ has a twofold meaning, glory to God in heaven and peace on earth among those whom God favours.

For the last two millennia Christians have been praising and glorifying God in heaven for the wonderful gift of the Christ child.

Sadly however, there are many amongst us that have not experienced peace. Many are still experiencing wars, destruction of the environment and fleeing situations where their homes are no longer safe and are forced to become refugees and asylum seekers.

The Uniting Church will bear witness to the truth of the Christmas message – “Peace on earth among those whom God favours,” as we join with two thousand Australian churches in 19 denominations in the Act for Peace through the work of the Christmas Bowl.

Through the simple action of sharing in this way, we stand alongside the fifty million refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people in the world.
In this way we glorify God who is compassionate to the lost, the hungry, the abused and the stranger.

May the spirit of Christmas bring a loving and blessed festive time. May we never cease to pray for a time in which this blessing will be shared with our waiting world; a time when no families experience domestic violence, no child is abused, no person is discriminated against or excluded from  sharing the good news, the wonderful, joyous news, our Saviour, for the Prince of Peace is born to us!

On behalf of the Uniting Church Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, it is my deep joy to bring you special Christmas greetings.

To download the Moderator’s 2014 Christmas video message and use in your church services in the lead up to Christmas go to www.vimeo.com/nswactuca/

For further information please contact:

Lisa Sampson, Media Consultant
The Uniting Church in Australia Synod of NSW and the ACT
T:  02 8267 4303
E:  lisas@nsw.uca.org.au