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At the time of the first Christmas, the world looked dark. The same is true in our world today. But as the prophet Isaiah says, on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Jesus is still the hope of our world!

Over the coming days, Australians will slow down, take time off of work, gather around the table to celebrate with loved ones, and reflect on the events of the year.

The Challenges and Battles of 2021

As all of us can testify, 2021 has been another challenging year. In addition to the now-familiar border closures, lockdowns and rolling restrictions, in 2021, we have also suffered under vaccine mandates that have ended careers, divided communities and carved up our country. Sadly, even Christmas will look different for many families as a result.

In the battle for life, faith, family, marriage and freedom, we have seen some encouraging developments with the religious discrimination bill and delays to euthanasia legislation in NSW. But we have also experienced heavy setbacks.

Euthanasia and abortion-to-birth are now legal in most states and territories. In Victoria (and possibly other states soon), it is illegal to pray for or help gender-confused young people to live according to their God-given identity.

In these and other ways, the world has grown much darker. Yet it is into such darkness that the message of Christmas shines brightest.

The Dawning Light of the First Christmas

At the time of the first Christmas, Israel had not heard from God for 400 years. The Jews were under the iron fist of the Roman Empire, which severely limited their ability to live life according to God’s ways. The many ancient promises of a coming of Messiah who would deliver God’s people seemed more distant, remote and unlikely than ever.

But then the light dawned.

An angel appeared to Mary — and to her fiancé Joseph on a separate occasion — to announce that the new life growing in Mary was no ordinary baby. He was the Son of God and the Saviour of humanity!

A choir of angels appeared to shepherds who had been tending their sheep on the hills outside of Bethlehem. On hearing the news of Jesus’ birth, they hurried to visit the holy family huddled around the manger.

A light appeared in eastern lands alerting a group of mysterious philosopher-kings of this royal birth. They followed the heavenly light all the way to Bethlehem, where they presented Jesus with precious gifts and worshipped him.

Everywhere you look, the story of the first Christmas features light breaking into darkness. As Isaiah had prophesied, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2).

Jesus is Still the Light of Our World

Two thousand years later, we still celebrate Christmas because we know that Jesus is the light of the world. He has come to rescue us from our spiritual darkness. His perfect life, atoning death and glorious resurrection have saved us from sin, death and judgment. And this good news continues to transform our lives and our world for the better.

This is what makes Christmas so special. Many Australians will mark Christmas with food, gift-giving, decorations and other wonderful traditions. But they will also encounter the love and hope of Christ — whether through carols, church services or Christian neighbours and loved ones.

Christmas is an incredible opportunity for us to shine the light of Jesus in Australia, and to pray for changed hearts and lives. It is the one time of year when our whole society is uniquely receptive to the message of Jesus.

We know that the battles we face are not primarily social or political — they are spiritual. We will see our societies transformed for the better when the light of the gospel makes its way into enough people’s lives. So pray that God’s light would break through all around Australia this Christmas.

From all of us at the Canberra Declaration, we wish you a very happy and holy Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Image by Zara Walker at Unsplash.