Making the Most of Christmas in 2020

This Christmas has provided some heightened activity for Melburnians only recently released from a prolonged COVID lockdown. Record pre-Christmas travel, booming Summer house sales after Winter deferrals, and the unleashing of stockpiled savings have all accentuated the usual December commercialism. By contrast, unplannable carols events have not all been substituted, and churches have only gathered again in recent weeks. To avoid Christ being squeezed out of Christmas, here are some last-minute tips that might make the most of what is left of the season with a significant focus on its major message.

Human Rights Attacked: Your Move

What a most unusual turn of events for the Australian state that is only just emerging from the nation’s strictest COVID lockdown. Barely have we seen its restaurants reopen and their lunch tables are already abuzz with agitated talk over proposed new laws being hurried upon us through the blur of the Christmas busy-period.

Combatting Coronavirus Conspiracies

Fortunately, there are few people who deny the existence of COVID-19 which has claimed many lives and made others desperately ill. Although conspiracy theorists usually accept that coronavirus is contagious, some have perpetuated real fear around its management. But is the common enemy the virus or the government? Here’s a fresh look at eight key claims or questions that are often raised.

‘All Lives Matter’?

A popular response to the recent anti-racism slogan, ‘Black Lives Matter,’ is that ‘All Lives Matter.’ Well, of course they do. But that misses the point entirely and it causes further harm. ‘Black Lives Matter’ because all lives matter. And when people of different backgrounds to myself feel that they aren’t treated equitably, my response needs to be one of compassion, one that listens, one that is quick to empathise.

‘Black Lives Matter’ in Australia too.

The recent ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests would surely seem to represent a watershed moment in history. Isn’t it unfathomable, though, that societal equity remains in any way elusive half a century after the Civil Rights protests of the 1960s and a further century beyond the Civil War’s Emancipation Proclamation? The egregious injustice of George Floyd’s death scarcely diminishes the long shadow still cast by our racist past. And this past is Australia’s, too.

Toward a Post-COVID-19 Church

Is the global church simply responding to a passing season or evolving into something entirely new? Barna research revealed (on a May 20 U.S. broadcast) that, despite the initial rush to online services, one third of practising Christians had not engaged with an online service at all in the past four weeks. (Just over half were streaming their own church, one third were visiting others, and one quarter were viewing multiple services, whereas one third were watching at alternative times to Sundays). What can we say about the prognosis for churches with any confidence in the face of such an alarming finding?

Ten Tips for ‘Leading Up’

When we serve on a team that we do not personally lead, we can experience frustration building up within. Rather than bite our tongue, suffer in silence, or run to greener pastures, there is an alternative. ‘Lead Up.’ There are some effective and simple strategies that allow anyone to proactively bring change but in a spirit of humility and helpfulness.

Three Keys to a Transformed Life

The Church’s worldwide celebration of Easter has just demonstrated that its power is in the changed lives of Christians and not in our buildings or rituals. This theme is picked up by the writer of the fourth Gospel, John, who builds fascinating significance into His post-resurrection encounters with the risen Christ. One of these is in his final chapter which offers three important insights to the way in which these encounters can transform us.

Your Voice Matters This Easter

Each year, Easter offers an opportunity to showcase Jesus who transcends history and changes lives. The Cross and Resurrection are the foundation of a faith that is as real in isolation as in our public gatherings. There are three great reasons why Christianity is thoroughly believable and why giving voice to it this year is as important as ever.

Your voice of faith amidst Covid-19

With the Coronavirus landscape shifting again, readjustment is needed for community connections. Meetings are being forced to happen via Zoom or Google Hangouts. Germany’s public gathering limit is down to just two, perhaps a foretaste of what is coming up on Australia. What does this all mean for church’s voice beyond offering an initial online experience?