Even down-under, where the days are growing longer and hotter, we find ourselves drawn to the imagery of candles as Christmas approaches. That’s because light shining in darkness is a powerful picture of what Christmas can mean for us.
One of the four New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life, the gospel of John, doesn’t begin with the events of Christmas. There’s no Joseph and Mary, no baby, no shepherds and certainly no donkey. Instead, the gospel begins with a profound meditation and reflection on the significance of these events and how they fit into God’s purposes for humanity and the whole of creation:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all humankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The Word here is Jesus, the beloved Son who experienced perfect fellowship with His Heavenly Father for all eternity. Although he is the one through whom all things were made, he chooses to enter into our world, like an author writing themselves into their own novel.
And when he comes—as a baby, a baby who will grow up to become a teenager and eventually a man—the light shines in the darkness. Darkness that is more than the sun slipping beneath the horizon. This is the darkness of sin and evil, the darkness which wounds precious people and damages our beautiful world. It’s the darkness that both expresses and arises from our estrangement from God, the source of all light and life.
And it’s into that darkness that Jesus shines his light. The light of a life lived as it should be—with love towards God and people, without hypocrisy or pretence. The light of a life laid down in sacrifice so that all who trust in Him might know God forever.
May each encounter with a candle this season remind us of the light and love and hope that Jesus Christ gifts to all who come to him.
Bishop Mark
The new rector of St Philip's will be the Reverend Christine Cargill MA, M.Litt, BEd.
Please see below a message from Bishop Mark that was read at the 8am and 10am services on 1 September 2024.
Here is a link to Christine's present parish in London: St Anne’s with Holy Trinity Brondesbury: https://st-annes-brondesbury.org.uk
View a sermon by Christine for Pentecost 2024, which she has given us permission to share.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn
Dear friends in Christ,
I am pleased to announce that the Reverend Prebendary Christine Cargill has accepted my invitation to be the new rector of St Philip’s Anglican Church, O’Connor.
Christine is currently the Vicar of St Anne’s with Holy Trinity Brondesbury, an inner London Parish, where she has ministered for the past 11 years.
Christine will re-locate from London to Canberra around the end of December with a view to commencing at St Philip’s around mid-January.
Ordained as priest in the Diocese of London in 2011, she holds a Master of Arts in Theology, Master of Letters in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and a Bachelor of Education.
Christine brings extensive experience as a priest, educator and community sector consultant. Her particular expertise is in developing parish identity, mission and community presence. While her primary focus is nurturing congregations in the foundations of faith and practices, her passions are eucharistic worship, inclusive community and community engagement.
The Canberra region is dear to Christine. She has close family and friends nearby and is an alumna of Braidwood Central School.
Christine says, "I am very excited to be moving back to the Canberra region, and look forward to working with you at St Philip’s. Please pray with me as we prepare for this time of transition. It will be fabulous to meet you all in January."
Please join me in welcoming Christine to St Philip’s and supporting her in this new chapter of our shared journey in Christ.
Your brother and Bishop,
+ Mark Short
Anglican Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn
1 September 2024
From the webkeeper: what is a prebendary?
In the Church of England, prebendaries are appointed by the bishop after consultation with the dean of their cathedral, in recognition of their work in the diocese. As part of her roles in the Greater Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Revd Prebendary Christine has a stall in the quire, and is invited to preach once a year in the Cathedral. Prebendaries also play a valuable role in maintaining their cathedral’s links with the parishes of the diocese.