As we’re still reeling in disbelief here in Australia from the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. I thought we would look to Immanuel, for in times like these we really need to keep our eyes upon God & not the evil.

But before we begin grab yourself a cuppa, a treat & get comfy. I’m having a mug of a comforting favourite, Earl Grey with a gf Banana Muffin today.

The Lights

Hubby & I were out for a drive the other night after enjoying a picnic & evening  walk watching the sunset over the Harbour. As we drove home we enjoyed the spectacle of Christmas lights that adorned many houses along our route.

There were trees lit up with coloured flashing lights, cascading waterfall lights hanging from eaves, flashing candy canes & Santa’s galore, one home even had a sleigh & reindeer lit up in their front yard! Another had a corridor of lights on the verge with a bench welcoming people to sit awhile & enjoy the lights.

After twenty minutes of travel a Nativity scene came into view & it stood out from all of the rest. I thought what a perfect position God has placed this family in, for their property is on the main road into our city where many passers-by will see this scene.

And the thought crossed my mind how God perfectly places us in strategic locations & positions to share the good news about Immanuel & to be a shining light in this darkened world.

The Babe

God’s promise in the book of Isaiah;

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel (God with us).” Isaiah 7: 14 BSB

Then when the time in history was right the promise was fulfilled, the Angel appeared to the Shepherds tending their flocks in the fields at night proclaiming;

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David (Bethlehem) a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NKJV

The display that we saw from our car was a full size Nativity scene, lit up with lights, highlighting the birth of Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), it was displaying the true meaning of Christmas & why we celebrate the birth of Jesus (aka Immanuel) at this time of the year.

Jesus born the Messiah, came to bridge the gap between man & God which had been created by sin (aka the Fall). Sin that was chosen by our many times great grandpa Adam & granny Eve in the garden.

But why Jesus Christ?

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Amp

Because there simply was no other way, no human would ever have been pure enough to be the Messiah. And we can’t do it ourselves within our own lives for we are all flawed individuals, at times choosing unrighteousness (Sin) over righteousness.

You see Sin brought not only physical death but heralded in a spiritual death & darkness to mankind. That Spiritual darkness descended upon this world at that point & resulted in complete spiritual separation from God.

However, despite this God still loves & cares for all mankind to this day. But the deeply personal relationship between mankind & God, that had been enjoyed in the garden by Adam & Eve, had been broken.

Then just at God’s perfect time in history Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Immanuel came to redeem those who choose to enter into that right relationship with God the Father through Him.

As so eloquently stated in the following scripture;

“…the blood of Christ, who through the eternal [Holy] Spirit willingly offered Himself unblemished [that is, without moral or spiritual imperfection as a sacrifice] to God…” Hebrews 9:14 Amp

And just as sin was & is a choice, accepting Jesus (God with us)  as personal Lord & Saviour is a choice as it’s not automatic. As stated in the John 3:16 scripture;

“…so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

A Heart Cry

As I sat in total horror as the news report unfolded of the terror at Bondi (disbelief as this just doesn’t happen in our part of the world), I prayed for all involved but mostly for the dozens of people who lay on the ground shot, waiting for medical help. I prayed that they would call on the name of Jesus.

As there were many cultural groups on the beach that day as it’s an iconic tourist attraction, as well as the members of the targeted Australian Jewish community who were shot.

And the following scripture came to mind;

“…there is no difference between Jew and Greek (other cultures): The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  Romans 10:13 Paraphrased

But then another thought came to mind;

“But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without someone sharing the good news with them?” Romans 10: 14 Paraphrased

Sharing

Those of us who know & love the Lord as our personal Saviour have an amazing opportunity, right where God has placed us just like the family who are displaying the Nativity scene in their front yard, to share the Good News.

But it’s also about listening to other’s story as well. As people connect with people, people need God’s people to show them the way back to the Father through the Son by living a loving example.

May your Christmas be blessed my friend & may we be mindful to be the love of God in this world.

Until next time,

Jennifer

You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook

or in Prayer

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© 2025 Jennifer M. Ross, All Rights Reserved. Photo by Soly Moses at pexels.com

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