A Christmas message from David Loder, QB General Superintendent:
We’ve come to the end of what, for many, has been an extraordinarily difficult year. Thousands of our fellow Queenslanders (and others south of our border) have suffered through floods and cyclones and are in the process of rebuilding their lives; a journey that will continue for years to come. In particular, our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones and friends. They are now facing their first Christmas without them and we know that their lives will never be the same. Please continue to pray for those still struggling and for our pastors and others who continue to help them.
Although it was a terrible time, what followed the immediate disasters was awesome and heart-warming. Fanned by social media, the plea went out and thousands of people grabbed brooms, mops and buckets and took to the streets to help those whose homes had been inundated. It was inspiring to see the huge number of youth who mobilised and worked tirelessly. Perhaps in our ‘land of plenty’ we don’t provide enough opportunities for them to express their desire to make a difference. Certainly, these disasters did just that, and they stepped up in large numbers.
There have been plenty of extra opportunities for our churches to show Christ’s love throughout the year and only God knows whose hearts have been opened and made receptive to the message of salvation. Again, let’s pray that God will continue to work in people’s lives.
After such a year, it comes as a relief to focus on the joyous Christmas season. Perhaps this year, more than others, we can take great comfort in the messages of peace, hope and goodwill that surround the Christmas message. And what a message it is! Our all-powerful, omniscient, ageless God ‘made flesh’; born in the most humble of circumstances.
So, as we sing our traditional carols and contemplate the virgin birth, let’s reflect on our experiences this year. I’m confident that our sense of wonder and our heartfelt thanks to God for all his blessings will be deeper as a result.
I trust that you and your loved ones will enjoy a Christmas season that is filled with peace, joy and thanksgiving.
David Loder
General Superintendent
Queensland Baptists