How do we respond in the face of tragedy? How do we approach situations where darkness consumes? The tragic event in Bondi on the 14th of December 2025 has left many in mourning, scared, and worried about the future. In moments of darkness like this, you might be wondering: where is the light? First, we should start off with what the light is…or more accurately who.
What is the light?
The authors of scripture use the metaphor of light and darkness consistently. Light is associated with God (1 John 1:5), goodness and life. It’s associated with wisdom (Proverbs 4:18). Jesus claims to be the light of the world (John 8:12). It’s where we see reality clearly. Darkness is associated with the devil, with evil and with the inverse. Confusion, deception and disease. We saw that at Bondi.
When we see evil in its stark reality, we instinctively distance ourselves from it. Not us. Not here. Yet our Australian secular society continues to ignore the light of the world. Humanity, cut off from God, continues to stumble in the darkness (John 12:35) and all that this brings. So, how might we respond to this darkness?
Our Response
The angels announce a glorious message, often misunderstood.
‘Glory to God in the highest and peace, shalom, to those on whom his favour rests’ (Luke 2:14).
How does God’s favour rest on humanity? Simply in response to Jesus, the Messiah, translated as the Christ. If you want to see the light of God, Jesus is the way (John 14:6).
He is the good shepherd (John 10:11); He is the lamb of God (John 1:29) who endures darkness that we might be brought into light and life in all its fullness (John 10:10). He entered into suffering so that we might be set free.
Christmas-Christ sent is God’s grace in action. There is no other way to walk in the light of God apart from Jesus. And so, as we mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15), we celebrate the mind-blowing reality that God has come down to earth to be Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23), so that we might be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:18) and enjoy Him forever. That is the gift of Christmas.
May you all enjoy the last few days of the Christmas period, and may the Light of this World shine in your lives as you enter 2026.