Holding on to hope in 2015

#1013 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 28 Dec 2014.

In his Christmas message, NSW Council of Churches President Ross Clifford observed that recent events remind us how vulnerable we are, with the tragic death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes on November 27, and the horrific Lindt Café siege in Martin Place on the night of December 15 claiming the lives of innocent victims Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson.

As we have been drawn together as a nation by these events, we recognise the deep sense of spirituality we share. Nearly all of us, from politicians and commentators to ordinary persons, have responded with heartfelt thoughts and prayers.

The Christmas message calls us back to the hope that each of us holds on to, a hope that helps make sense of the world around us. Our hope is not misplaced as we look at the person of Jesus, who is God with us, Immanuel.

And that is a word to cheer our hearts as we prepare to enter a new year.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.