from the CRA President: GIFT OF GRACIOUSNESS

pathways, December 2009

This broad-based celebration of unity in diversity sought to highlight both our capability and responsibility 'to come together in peace and goodwill to listen to each other and work together to heal our conflicted communities and our endangered planet'.

From a Christian perspective, it was fitting that the PWR be held at the beginning of our Advent season - our preparation for the great feast of Christmas, now only days away.

This time of the year is so often described as the 'season of peace and goodwill'.

For us, as Christians, it is a time of being particularly present, and open, to Emmanuel, the God-with-us, the God who brings peace and goodwill into our hearts and our lives, if we are open to receive this gift of such graciousness.

Yet, this feast has been overtaken and captured by our consumerist society.

For many here in Australia, it is a secular feast of consumption, for accumulating more, whether there is need or not. It could be said that it has become the feast of avarice, far from its humble beginnings in poverty and simplicity.

I ask myself: What is it that I can forego to give a little to someone in need, so that I am not also captured into this greed?

I can also ask myself: Where is it that forgiveness and reconciliation need to find a place within me? Is it with a family member, a community member, a work colleague, or a friend?

This Christmas, let peace and goodwill truly find a home in our hearts, a deep inner peace that comes from being at one with myself and the world around me.

May this Christmas be a time for depthing that inner and outer peace so that goodwill can genuinely permeate our intentions and our actions, not just over these coming weeks but as an ongoing response to God's gracious giving.