Christmas 2023 message: Dean of Geraldton Lachlan Edwards says Xmas a time of great joy and challenge for some

Christmas can be a great joy but sometimes a great challenge for many families. Jesus had a challenging family background. If you read through his earthly family tree you might be struck by the mix of war lords, murderers, prostitutes, adulterers and outcasts. If you explored your family tree you also might cringe! Yet it was for his family, his people, that Jesus was born. Their messed-up lives needed sorting out. Who better to sort it out that the one from whom all life came? John 1:1-4 says: In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” Christmas celebrates the arrival of Jesus, the life and light of the world, coming into his own world to brighten our life. Actually, to deliver us from the darkness of this world into eternal life in his kingdom. By trusting in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour you are adopted into his family — not the messed up earthly family, but his heavenly family. And that’s a family worth being part of for ever! Celebrate Jesus — and see our giant lighted star inside — at the Geraldton Anglican Cathedral this Christmas. Christmas Eve at 8am, 10am and 5pm. Christmas Day at 9am. Merry Christmas from Lachlan and Bec Edwards.