This Christmas, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, invites us to remember that God’s light meets us wherever we are – in both joy and sorrow.
In her main Christmas message, Rev Suli recognises that many are carrying mixed emotions after a year marked by fires, floods, rising costs and global conflicts. Yet she reminds us that the Christmas story still speaks today: “Do not be afraid. For today, a Saviour is born”.
Rev Suli shared glimpses of this light at work – in the red dust of Oodnadatta where an Aboriginal community opened a long-awaited church, in celebrations strengthening ties between Australia and Tonga, and in communities around the world standing for justice and compassion. “Different places, different stories – but the same light, Christ’s light,” she said.
Rev Suli also shared a “Blue Christmas” message for those finding this season difficult.
She encourages the lighting of a candle for those whose absence aches, speaking aloud the names that live in our hearts, and trusting that “God comes not only in our celebration, but also in our pain”. | 
