AS we approach the festive season, our thoughts naturally turn to our family and friends, as we count our blessings and look forward to what we hope the new year will bring.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s also a time when we tend to look outside ourselves, to people all around the world, many of whom are facing challenges that we have never known.
Over 2000 years ago, some wise men saw a light in the sky which foretold of a miraculous event and the men travelled a great distance to rejoice in this event - the birth of Jesus, to poor and humble parents.
However, not everyone was pleased with the arrival of the baby Jesus and in fear for their child’s life, the new mother and father fled into the night, becoming refugees in a foreign land.
As Jesus grew into a man, he, just like his father, worked with his hands, they were ‘tradies’ but Jesus was driven by a greater vision.
He became a leader and public speaker, who in the equivalent of one term of government – three years -changed the world.
He championed ideas like ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ and to ‘turn the other cheek’.
He taught people to find solace and guidance through prayer and even in this modern world, the words of Jesus still open parliament every day.
This Christmas, I hope that the people in the Wimmera can find the peace and joy they seek, while extending kindness and compassion to the people we all share our world with.
Whoever you are, wherever you are, may the essence of the Christmas spirit be yours.
Merry Christmas and I wish you a safe and happy New Year.
ANDREW BROAD
Member for Mallee
Andrew Broad will be in Horsham on Friday.
Wimmera people can catch up with Andrew Broad and talk about the things that are important to you.
Andrew will be at the Cheeky Fox Cafe on Firebrace Street from 2.30pm to- 3.30pm.
He will be in Horsham for a number of meetings, including one with the recently elected councillors of Horsham Rural City Council.
Andrew will also attend a meeting of the combined Wimmera councillors, where he will address the group on regional priorities and lobbying in Canberra.