At our End-of-Year Mass this week, we heard in the Gospel of Matthew the name that sits right at the heart of Christmas: Emmanuel, which means “God-with-us.” As we look back on another year filled with big moments, small moments, challenges, achievements and everything in between, we are reminded that God has been with us through it all. 

Christmas shows us what God-with-us really looks like. 

The biblical world was expecting a strong and decisive Messiah, a warrior or a ruler who would sweep away the Roman Empire. Instead, Jesus arrives in the quietest and humblest way imaginable: born in a stable, laid in a manger, welcomed by a young mother, a faithful (and probably nervous) father, and a group of surprised shepherds working the night shift. 

Then come the Magi, sometimes called Kings or Wise Men (the Gospel never actually says there were three). They arrive with gold, frankincense and myrrh; extravagant gifts for a baby born among animals, with all the noise and smell that would have come with it. And if we believe the Christmas playlist, the Little Drummer Boy may have wandered in too, because nothing says “Congratulations, new mum!” like a kid wailing away on a drum. 

Christmas is not only a season of receiving. It is a season of giving. I am really proud of the way our community has shown compassion that leads into service and justice. In these final weeks, students and families have supported the Kyneton and Woodend Food Banks, R.M. Begg, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and McAuley Services. These acts of Mercy show that we notice the needs of others and choose to respond with generosity and care. 

As we move into the holidays, my hope is that the light of Christ shines warmly in your homes. The Christmas story reminds us that God’s light does not always burst in with great fanfare. More often it begins as a small glow in ordinary places. Catherine McAuley encouraged her companions to “be shining lamps, giving light to all around you.” My prayer is that this Christmas, the light we receive becomes the light we offer to our families, our friends, our community and to those who need hope most of all.

Wishing you and your families a joyful, peaceful and holy Christmas. May the New Year bring rest, renewal and hope, and may God’s blessing stay close to our whole community. I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.