Do you have a favourite Christmas memory? Perhaps a time when the world appeared to glow a little brighter? Or your footsteps became a little lighter, and the spirit of the season filled the air? What is it that sparked your experience of joy?
In this Helping Hands panel discussion, social commentator, Mark McCrindle; podcaster, speaker and minister Rev. Dr. Megan Powell du Toit, and former CEO of Parramatta Mission, Davyn De Bruyn, join Laura Bennett to help us recapture the joy of Christmas.
Whether it's the twinkling lights on people's homes, the inviting aroma of a festive feast or the familiar melody of a carol, we all have Christmas traditions which help the season feel special. But the research shows that these are not what Australians value most.
“Above the food which people love, and the celebrations which they love, time with friends and family comes out stronger,” Mark says in reference to the things Australians value most at Christmas time. “It (Christmas) is a time of relating and connecting.”
Christmas has its roots in the Christian faith and is a time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Modern Australia is a melting pot of cultures and faiths, but Mark says this hasn’t diminished the message or meaning of Christmas.
“It’s welcomed by all,” he says. “The biggest problem Australians have with Christmas is when they see it becoming commercialised … 88% of Australians say they love and support the Christian meaning of Christmas because that's what gives the strength to it. Other than that, it becomes a commercialised tinsel-filled few days of spending and that's not what Australians value.”
Megan says she sees a level of value in the commercialisation of special occasions such as Christmas, as it can help to enhance our understanding of the occasion’s importance. She also warns against becoming trapped in a hollow experience of Christmas.
“Commercialisation often happens around stuff that's really important to us … if it wasn’t there you could think, Are people seeing this for the joyous occasion that it is? So, we should be abundant and be festive and giving presents … but if that's all it is, we’re sort of missing the depth of joy that we can have by knowing God became human for us.”
For those who seek help from Parramatta Mission, finding joy during struggle is a significant challenge. Christmas can bring financial strain and acute loneliness. Davyn believes the real joy of Christmas is in ensuring no one feels alone. He encourages us all to consider the ways we can bring joy to others in our neighbourhoods and communities who may be struggling this Christmas.
“The message of love is something that we really try and share with our guests and our clients to make them realise it's not all just about the presents, but family (and loved ones) is actually the biggest thing.”
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