Sunday 28th December 2025 - First Sunday after Christmas

REFLECTION: Matthew 2:13-23 “Evil in the World”

As we continue through our Christmas readings, we see that the Christmas story

takes a very dark turn as the ageing tyrant King Herod tries to kill the new-born

king. It is a sober reminder that that the birth of Jesus is not just some sugar-sweet

story for Children but God’s intervention into the world to overcome the power of

sin and evil, and in these events, evil fights back. Evil is real.

Here is an outline of the message.

1. The reality of evil in the world

a. Ruthless dictators, brutal murderers, shameless exploiters – people given over to

evil.

b. Evil is not God’s invention, but a consequence of our free will.

c. Jesus suffered at the hands of evil more than we will know

2. Herod’s plan to destroy God’s chosen king

a. A jealous old despot who has murdered every rival.

b. He was not above murdering every baby in the region. (16-18)

3. God’s plan to safeguard his Son till the appointed time.

a. God sends an angel to warn Joseph (12)

b. Egypt becomes their safe refuge until the appointed time (13-15)

c. It was all part of God’s plan as foreseen by the prophets

To Think About:

What does it mean to resist evil?

HYMNS

MP 345 It came upon a midnight clear

Mary’s boychild

TIS 690 Beauty for brokenness

TIS 309 Angels from the realms of Glory.

WATCHNIGHT SERVICE

On December 31st we will be gathering at 11pm for a Watchnight service to give

thanks to God for this past year, remember those we have lost, commit the New

Year to God in prayer , and celebrate the Eucharist as the New Year begins. All are

welcome.

WEDNESDAY MORNING SERVICES

Will continue as usual over the next two weeks even though they fall on Christmas

Eve and New Year’s Eve.

WATERING

We have lots of new plants that we have planted at our working bees. If you can

help with the watering, please see Jane Peters.

NEW CARPARK NOW OPEN

We are now able to use our new carpark with entry off McCrae Street. Please try

and park in the bays marked by the white discs. service. There will be a 9am

Service on Christmas Day.

THE FUNERAL OF FRED SULMAN

Will be held at St James on Monday Dec 29th at 10:30am.

Wednesday Growth Group and Sunday School are both in recess over the

holiday period.

THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR: Parish of Banyule (Denise Nicholls); Ministry with

the Torres Strait Islander people of Australia (Torres Strait Islander Clergy &

People); Lay Ministry; The Anglican Church of Canada (Bp Shane Parker);

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 3rd January – Oyem and Rob

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 4th January: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-14;

Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12.

PLEASE PICK UP YOUR MELBOURNE ANGLICAN MAGAZINE

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Mike, Cecil, Ruth,

Eva, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Noel, Dean, Amy, Chelsea, Paul,

Charles, Alan, Sally, Marla, Robert, Sherene, Shereen & Gloria.