From Father Gift

The true essence of Christmas

The gift that keeps giving! This was the headline in my local Joonalup newspaper when my family and I first arrived in Australia in February 2017. The author creatively interpreted my first name, "Gift," to explain my role as a priest to the community. While I was delighted to receive such an honour, I recognised the significant challenge of living up to the title.

Nevertheless, this phrase beautifully reflects God’s nature. The Bible shows us that God continually gives, forgives, and loves His people and all creation. In John 1:1–14, we learn that the Creator chose to live among us in the humble form of a human being.

St Anselm of Canterbury explained this with the phrase Cur Deus Homo, arguing that God decided to become human (in Jesus Christ) to save us from our sins. John 3:16 explicitly states that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God gave His Son to forgive humanity because His love for people and creation is limitless.

This is the true essence of Christmas: God’s love and His willingness to become a baby to save us. The real meaning of Christmas is rooted in our readiness to love as God does. Christmas is about giving ourselves in service to God and to others.

As we begin this festive season, I want to thank our teachers and staff for their dedication to our students throughout the year. You have helped them finish strong! I wish all our teachers, students, and families a Merry Christmas and a joyful summer holiday. Let us all remember to live out the essence of God—the “gift that keeps giving.”

Fr Gift Makwasha

School Chaplain