This morning another eight Christian leaders face court in Perth on charges of trespass, a result of advocacy for asylum seeker children in the face of political intransigence and obfuscation. A particularly disturbing feature of the incidents of these arrests was the decision by the police, for the first time, to introduce strip-search procedures, evidently designed to intimidate and deter further protests. A year of like protest actions has turned a dark corner. However, those charged would still direct our thoughts to those languishing in detention in the tropical hell-holes of Manus and Nauru, where minors fear for their lives and remain devoid of hope. Christmas has something to do with the climax of the apocalyptic terror in John’s Revelation where a new heaven and a new earth are revealed. Revelation 21:1-6 is replete with prophetic imagery of hope realised. For two millennia, it has sustained the hopes and aspirations for followers of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, contained for a while in a vulnerable infant. It is the vision and hope of a redeemed society that drives the thrust for mercy and justice behind the #lovemakesaway advocates who stand before our land’s magistrates. Such a hope, such a vision, is a gift of the seventh day of Christmas.
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Wondering Pilgrim 
Reblogged this on The Downs Church.
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Hopefully, perhaps a rather optimistic ‘hopefully’, the new year will bring enlightenment and the realization that ultimately mistreatment of those seeking help and the continued rejection of outstretched pleading hands can only result in a pain-filled and suffering world for everyone. It’s a bit like climate change. If we continue to put our heads in the sand and ignore the signs, the planet is doomed. So too, if we continue to ignore “justice for all”, hell on earth may well be the result. May this be the year of peace, joy, hope and love found in “welcoming the stranger”.
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Right on, Steve. Incredibly inspiring to see Pete Seeger still pursuing the vision at age 93. Never give up!
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