I have just read the Australia Herald of December/January 2021. Each article brought back strong memories and I clearly saw faces from the past which had left lasting impressions on my psyche. But! In that moment, my most outstanding recollections were not of Christmas at Tiona, in a congregation, around my extended family table, or our two children eagerly experiencing their first Christmases. I was overwhelmed by the experiences I had of Christmas with children and young people who could not have Christmas with their families.
For more than 10 years I had a lead administration role in three different institutions run by the State of NSW. One holding 180 wards of the state who were not immediately placeable within any family unit. One for 130 young male offenders under 15 years of age and another for male offenders between 14 and 16 years of age who had been committed to an institution for criminal offences. Creating and living the Christmas message in these environments was both challenging and rewarding.
Credit must go to the dedicated staff and community volunteers who were determined to ensure the residents experienced the spirit of Christmas. The residents were involved in all the planning, in the making of the props and period costumes, and filling all the biblical roles. Our children, Colin and Anne were in primary and secondary school during these years and willingly gave their time to the projects.
Santa also visited on Christmas morning and our family remained with the residents all Christmas Day. Enjoying the carol singing, the drama, the food and above all, the fellowship with the boys and girls who desperately needed emotional companionship and the feeling of being wanted.
I also thought of all those in our communities who have missed out on any form of celebration or spiritual awakening. A feeling of depression pervaded momentarily as I reflected. I sensed a feeling of guilt as I realised my age and health prevented me from actively being involved any more.
Christmas 2022 has started already. I urge that in our personal and congregational planning we extend our horizons beyond our familiar traditions to incorporate the lonely, the lost, the despondent, the frail and aged, the incarcerated, and yes, those in our own faith community who have meandered outside the fellowship of the church.
The mission of SaintsCare is to facilitate initiatives that bring hope, justice, and peace to the marginalised. Is it feasible for us to consider a joint effort between SaintsCare and congregations making next Christmas a time to think of and incorporate those who do not have a family table to sit around, and those who do not have happy memories of Christmas? We have a (ed.) plethora of talent within the church to call upon.
Bruce Wooderson
High Priest Bruce Wooderson lives with his wife Ronda in the Hawkesbury, Sydney, NSW.