This year I celebrated my 80th birthday. It’s a milestone in any one’s life, but as Christmas approaches it’s given me pause to think about what the season really means to me.
I’m sure you know I’ve dedicated my life to helping others; the homeless, the dispossessed and the lonely. The very first time I put on a Christmas lunch for them just eight people turned up. We shared a humble plate of sandwiches together, but as the song goes; “From little things big things grow". This year thousands of people will be at my Foundation on Christmas Day.
It’s become one of the most important events in my calendar. Not just because it’s wonderful, but because of the remarkable feeling of generosity and good will it creates. I’ve learn how kind people truly are.
For instance, volunteers selflessly give up their Christmas Day to serve those less fortunate. Then there are the thousands of guests and the random acts of kindness they share. Last year I saw a homeless man give a Woolworths gift card to a single mum so she could feed her kids.
I’ve also come to realise that our Christmas Day fills everyone with a sense of hope and new beginnings, just like Jesus did when he came and change the world. That’s remarkable and it fills me with awe.
As I reflect on it, the goodness of Jesus has shaped everything that has been created at my Foundation. We bring hope to those who’ve lost it. We offer companionship to those who feel alone. We show compassion to those who’ve been shunned. Most importantly, we do all this in the spirit of loving kindness, just the way Jesus did. In fact, I like to think Jesus would fit right in at my Foundation on Christmas Day!
So on Christmas Day I’ll celebrate all that we’ve achieved together, and give thanks for the lives we’ve changed.
