This week I had my 30th birthday.
A group of my closest friends all chipped in to buy me an Akubra, the iconic Australian hat. I was so happy, I have wanted an Akubra for years now, but couldn’t justify spending the money. I loved this gift. It is often said that Akubra’s last forever…. but will it? I’m sure it will last a long time, but over time, it will deteriorate and eventually it will fall apart.
This week at Thomas Hassall we had the privilege of sending over 620 boxes full of gifts to children in need. But like all gifts over time, these boxes and the gifts inside them will fade. But with each box we give, we are all giving a gift that will never fade. Each child who received a box will also receive to the good news of Jesus. A team of volunteers go out with the boxes to proclaim the gospel.
It is this good news that we celebrate every Christmas. In Luke 2:8-11 we get the first glimpse of this great news. The good news is this: That the Messiah, God’s promised king, who has been promised for hundreds of years, has been born.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Jesus is the greatest gift that anyone can receive. He is the eternal gift, the gift that lasts forever.
I want to thank you for your generosity in providing 620 boxes to send to children in need. Each of these children will be full of joy as they receive their gift but better still, they will be reminded of the greatest gift, the gift of Jesus, that will last forever.