As the Christmas lights cover houses and inflatables fill front yards, Christmas carols sound through the shopping centres – it is with joy and gratitude that Lifestyle Church extends warm Christmas greetings to our Gladstone community.
As we head into this Christmas, let’s take a moment to focus on the powerful and transformative gift of love – a sentiment beautifully expressed in 1 John 4:9-12: “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”
This verse captures the essence of the season—a reminder that love is one of the most precious and expensive gifts, symbolized by the sacrificial act of sending His Son. Yet, it is also one of the most affordable gifts, freely given to each and every one of us.
Love, in its truest form, is both a sacrifice and a priceless treasure, accessible to everyone. As a community, we have the opportunity to embrace this contrast, recognising that the act of sharing love is a gift we can afford to give, and yet one that holds immeasurable value.
This year let’s all join in celebrating the true spirit of Christmas by sharing this remarkable gift of love. Let us extend kindness to those in need, uplift one another, and create a community that embodies the selfless and transformative power of love.
May this Christmas be a time of joy, reflection, and shared love. From our church family to yours, we wish you a blessed and Merry Christmas.
Warm regards,
Simon McClintock
Pastor, Lifestyle Church
Dear Editor,
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the amazing support and generosity The Salvation Army has received from the community again this year. We at the Salvos want you to know that your acts of kindness have made a huge difference.
I am reminded of countless families whose lives have been transformed by your immense support and we thank you.
One family shared: “The Salvos’ help and kindness have meant that we’ve been able to put presents under the tree and see the joy on our kids’ faces on Christmas morning.”
In a moment of vulnerability, another person confided: “The Salvos allowed me to feel like I was worthy. In my darkest hour, they provided a hand up, which gave me the strength to keep going.”
So, thank you. Your contributions, whether big or small, have made an incredible difference in the lives of so many and allowed us to do what we do best – helping others and ensuring nobody struggles alone.
Your donations and time spent volunteering has helped to provide tens of thousands of food hampers, more than 132,000 meals and over 250,000 gifts to families this Christmas.
We simply could not do what we do without you.
Colonel Rodney Walters
The Salvation Army
