As tens of thousands across Western Australia prepare to celebrate Christmas 2025, the state's senior religious figures have united in a powerful call for enduring peace, hope, and communal solidarity. Their messages, delivered in the shadow of the recent terrorist attack in Sydney's Bondi and ongoing global conflicts, emphasise that the spirit of Christmas must not be confined to a single day.
Light in the Darkness: A Call to Action After Bondi
The Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB DD, the Catholic Archbishop of Perth, opened his reflection by quoting ancient Hebrew scriptures about light shining in darkness. He directly addressed the traumatic events at Bondi, where members of the Jewish community were attacked during Chanukah celebrations.
"In ways that we hoped would never be true of Australia, our Jewish brothers and sisters have experienced what it means to be engulfed by a dark cloud of evil," Archbishop Costelloe stated. He described the attack as an urgent call for all Australians to work together to ensure the light of Judaism is never extinguished in the country.
He broadened his message to condemn the "impulse to violence and blind hatred" evident globally, citing the brutal war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Holy Land, and violence in Sudan as horrific examples. He also pointed to domestic issues, including rising sexual violence and confrontational politics, as manifestations of a darker side of human nature.
"The annual celebration of the birth of the man called the Prince of Peace can become a source of hope," he asserted, presenting the life of Jesus as a reminder that living by values of love, humility, and forgiveness is possible. This message, he believes, offers a path forward for people of all faiths and none.
Nativity Scenes in a Fragile World
Anglican Archbishop of Perth, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, reflected on the universal symbol of the nativity scene. She noted how these scenes are adapted worldwide, including by First Nations artists in Australia who place the holy family in landscapes speaking of ancient belonging.
She shared that her own family cherishes a simple nativity set that has witnessed both joyful and difficult Christmases. "It stands quietly, as a powerful reminder that God's love is tangible," she said.
This year, however, she acknowledged that familiar festive sights and sounds have been "pierced by shock and grief" following the Bondi killings. "Fear, sorrow and anger sit alongside decorations, nativity scenes and carols," Archbishop Goldsworthy observed, highlighting the fragile world in which faith is celebrated.
She emphasised that the Christmas story is not a sentimental escape but is about divine love entering a wounded world. "The light that Christians celebrate at Christmas is not a denial of darkness. It is a promise that darkness does not have the final word," she said, concluding with the scriptural line: "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it."
Finding Peace When Plans Are Disrupted
Reverend Victor Owuor, Director of Ministries for Baptist Churches Western Australia, focused on the theme of disrupted plans. He connected personal setbacks—like job loss or health issues—with larger tragedies such as the Bondi attack, Asian floods, and ongoing wars.
He turned to the story of Mary and Joseph, whose lives were profoundly disrupted by the angel's announcement. "What seemed like a disruption was, in fact, God's plan at work," Rev. Owuor explained. He highlighted Mary's faith and trust as a model for finding peace by trusting a greater plan, especially when personal plans fall apart.
"Christmas is a time to receive, or receive anew, the gift of salvation and peace that God offers to everyone," he stated. "Once we have this peace, we can share it with those around us."
Solidarity, Refuge, and the Pursuit of Justice
Reverend David Jackson, Moderator of the Uniting Church WA, began by unequivocally standing in solidarity with Australia's Jewish community following the "abhorrent antisemitic terrorist attack" at Bondi Beach.
"There is no place in our society for such hatred and violence," he declared, noting that Uniting Church chaplains had been part of the disaster recovery response.
Rev. Jackson selected the Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt as this year's Christmas theme, drawing a direct parallel to modern global displacement caused by war, oppression, and violence. "The ongoing displacement of people... is a matter of deep concern," he said, calling for compassion and justice.
He commended the Australian community's outpouring of support for Jewish neighbours and highlighted the charitable work of students in Uniting Church schools. He ended with a call to action, quoting the national anthem: "With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia fair," and urging a commitment to peace and justice for all this Christmas season.
Together, these leaders from Perth's diverse Christian traditions present a unified Christmas 2025 message: in the face of darkness, the call to peace, hope, and active love must resonate every day of the year.
