My 2024 Christmas message

To me, the story of Christmas and the story of Easter are actually quite similar. Why, you might ask?

The seminal message of both is that real change comes not just from where you least expect it, but from whom you least expect. For instance, real change doesn’t come from the powers-that-be or vested interests. That is because they benefit from the status quo. On the contrary, you only find change coming from those who need change and are willing to struggle for it.

The power of change

At The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation on Christmas Day thousands of people enjoy lunch together. For many of them it is a fairytale Christmas full of joy; a real change in their otherwise struggle-filled lives. In fact, Christmas Day at my Foundation often acts as a catalyst for life-altering change in people’s lives.

The other day a homeless person put a five dollar note in my pocket. He firmly told me that I was to find another homeless person to give it to on Christmas Day. To me that donation is like gold! I’ll give it to someone who really needs it because it was given with love and compassion, not to mention life experience.

The change Jesus taught

So on Christmas night I can go home feeling content. Happy that joy filled the lives of so many and pleased that I found a person worthy of that five dollar note. Indeed, I can answer to Jesus that I’ve truly done my best to honour the change he came into the world to achieve.