I recently witnessed a small miracle in a country nursing home. One elderly lady was looking quite sad and lonely, sitting dozing in her chair.  Her meal had been delayed and, after all the others had finished theirs, hers was delivered. 

The staff packed up and left. Except for one. After her official knock off time this young woman sat down beside the older lady, gently coaxed her into eating a little to start with, and then more. 

Within 20 minutes the older lady had eaten her lunch and was laughing and energised. 

The younger woman confided to me that she might get into trouble for staying back; but she knew it was worth it.  She then added that she always tried to be kind.  What a gem!

Social researcher Hugh MacKay, (Australia reimagined: Towards a more compassionate less anxious society, 2018), laments the rise of anxiety and stress, and the growing lack of compassion. This lack is damaging our community, schools, businesses and health. 

As we draw closer to the frantic rounds of Christmas shopping and feasting, it may be a good time to focus back to the essential message of Christmas and put a little more space for compassion and kindness into our ‘to do’ lists.

Socially isolated shepherds found time to visit a new born baby. Some wise and wealthy visitors followed a star across desert sands, on a hunch, that this baby was going to be a world changer. 

Jesus had to flee as an infant outcast, and spent his life being compassionate to outcasts. 

Christmas is a great time to revisit that story and remind ourselves of what is important. 

And if you ask Jesus, you too will receive a compassionate welcome into his mob.