BISHOP GREG'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FOR 2025

December is always a month in which Jews and Christians rejoice in the Festival of Light. For Jewish communities, it is the feast of Hanukkah, and for us it is Christmas. As such, both communities greet each other with Happy Hanukkah or Merry Christmas. This year, it is different. On Sunday, 14 December 2025, the terrible Bondi Massacre occurred as Jewish people were celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. This was a heinous attack on the Jewish people in Australia.

I join with so many other religious and community leaders in rejecting what is happening in Australia. This is not the Australia that I was born in.

Christmas is a time in which we remember the love of God made manifest in a small baby born into poverty. I pray, that as we celebrate Christmas, this child may bring peace to anguished hearts and friendship between peoples. Let us not allow hatred and evil to overcome goodness and love.

In wishing you a Merry Christmas, I ask you to reach out to all in need and, in particular, to all who may be suffering as a consequence of the Bondi Massacre.

Most Revd Gregory Homeming OCD

Bishop of Lismore