Christmas Message 2009
24 December 2009
“This Christmas no one deserves to be left out or left behind.
“If you read some newspapers it seems prosperity is just around the corner: property prices are on the march, inflation is on the way up – the economy seems to have turned the corner.
“Confidence is on the rise and we are purchasing consumer goods which only six months ago we may have baulked at buying.
“Yet the reality is very different for many Australians: at Wesley Mission we are picking up the broken lives of the homeless, the long term unemployed, those who have been dealing with years of mounting debt, loneliness and mental illness no matter what their background or circumstances.
“For these people choice is just a word not an option. For too many it has been almost impossible to escape the roundabout of despair. Even many ordinary working families feel under stress as part-time and causal work is less reliable and they find it harder to make ends meet.
“Australia may not be out of the woods but when it does emerge we must ensure that no one is left behind.
“At Wesley Mission we are reminding people that perhaps this Christmas you should leave a spare seat at your table to remember those who will be alone; those who cannot afford gifts for their children, those who are overwhelmed by debt or have no place to call home.
“It is the homeless, disadvantaged and lonely for whom Jesus Christ has a special message of hope. Born in a stable in Bethlehem during a time of social turmoil, He identifies with those who struggle against the odds.
“Jesus came into this world in a modest way but now offers us a place at his dining table: an invitation open to all. The seat is vacant: Jesus’ desire is that no one should be left out this Christmas.”
The Rev Dr Keith Garner, Superintendent, Wesley Mission, Sydney.
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