Remembering the true Christmas story with Santa’s forgotten people: Christmas Day viewing
12 December 2007
Three major Wesley Mission television productions will screen on Christmas Day.
A special Rise and Shine Christmas Special will be broadcast at 6.00 am* on Channel 9 with guests Roma Waterman and Darlene Zschech and a special Christmas message from Wesley Mission Superintendent Rev Keith Garner about the importance of Christmas and its potential to give us the greatest gift of all.
Wesley Mission’s new documentary Santa’s Forgotten People will be shown at 8:30 am* on Channel 7, offering an insight into what it means to be homeless at Christmas through the eyes of the residents of Wesley Mission’s Edward Eagar Lodge crisis hostel. Trenton, a former alcoholic, shares his own experiences of life on the streets and his journey of redemption.
“For so many homeless people, Wesley Mission is the only family they have at Christmas,” Mr Garner said.
“In our modern society, it is so easy to forget those we can’t see and don’t want to see and their needs. So let’s keep this Christmas Spirit alive, not just at Christmas, but all year round – caring for the less fortunate.”
At 10.30 am* Channel 9 will also screen Wesley Mission’s The Three Fathers of Christmas. Shot on location in Finland, Turkey and Israel, the one-hour program traces the origins of Saint Nicolas, Santa Claus and looks at Gift Giving, God and Christmas.
“If Santa Claus’ contribution to Christmas is ‘generosity’, St. Nicholas’ contribution and example is that of ‘charity’ – caring for the poor and needy,” said presenter Mr Garner. “He’s a terrific example to us today of caring for those who have less, who we don’t know and who are doing it tough.”
*Check local guides for times.
For more information please contact:
Public Affairs Officer
Wesley Mission
Ph: (02) 9263 5509
Mobile: 0434 076 642
