Published by the Herald Sun newspaper on December 24, 2012
By Tim Costello, World Vision Australia chief executive
For many Australians, 2012 has been a year of mixed blessings. The two-speed economy and international uncertainty have created challenges. The rising cost of living lingers in our minds, even keeps some of us awake at night. Our Federal Parliament has become toxic with genuine debate stifled by political interests.
And yet despite all this, we are so fortunate. This year, Australia dodged the worst of the financial woes affecting other countries. In fact, our way of life is now the envy of the world. Just a few weeks ago, Australia was ranked the second best place on Earth to be born. We have won the lottery of life, so why does it sometimes feel like we’re waiting for bad news to strike?
Christmas is above all a time to re-kindle our hope for the future. Amongst all the tinsel and pudding and presents, it’s not always easy to find the time to stop, be still and reflect. But if we can find a few moments to open our eyes, we might just find signs of new growth, possibilities of hope where we'd started to give up. We might find a new perspective or signs of love in unexpected places.
Christmas might also be a time to reflect on our way of life. Do we sometimes confuse cost of living with the cost of a great lifestyle? Have we lost perspective on the blessings we have? Perhaps we could encourage greater optimism in our children, allowing them to step into 2013 with hope and resilience for the future.
When I think of such things, I am often reminded of the lessons my 94-year-old father taught me. We didn’t own a car until I was ten, or a television until I was 11, but we were happy and felt provided for. Now when I look back I realise our sense of hope came from people and learning, not from material things. We must never confuse the lifestyle we want for the basics we need, not when there are so many around the world in true need.
For me, Christmas is also a time to make small choices that make a big difference. Now is the time to think about our neighbours and strangers alike, and do something positive to change the world - especially for those who live in the shadows and margins.
That’s why I’m always heartened to hear of people who volunteer their time and energy to share Christmas with people who are alone. Likewise, I think we have the capacity to show generosity to our neighbours, those in our region and further abroad. It’s easy to show care and love for people close to us but a great society likes ours must also show love and care for strangers.
It’s an interesting time to think about these issues. Just last week the Government announced it would be diverting aid money - intended to lift people out of poverty - to housing refugees being processed in Australia. I was deeply disappointed by this decision, not least because it’s driven by the Government’s own political interests.
I also find the Government’s position astounding because it is so far removed from the attitudes of most Australians. A few days ago, Australians were named the most generous people on the planet by an international survey. We know privately that Australians are incredibly benevolent. I can only hope that one day our collective generosity, through our government aid program, is equally impressive.
As we head into an election year, my hope is that Australians really take a stand for the kind of country we want to live in. We must move beyond navel gazing and worry so we can genuinely engage in positive dialogue. It’s not only the result of the election that's important. The way it's fought, whether the common good and human interest are put at the centre of debate, whether the parties give the electorate genuine policy choices – these are all critical issues.
As 2012 draws to a close, and despite the challenges we have faced, I am still an optimist.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or another festival at this time of year, or perhaps just enjoying a well-earned break with family and friends, I wish you a joyous time and a hope-filled 2013.