The word ‘holiday’ is from an old Middle English word for ‘holy day’. 

A ‘holy day’ was a religious day set aside for rest, relaxation and celebration. Christmas day is our ‘holy day’ - a holiday on which we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

We all know how much we enjoy a holiday; a break from work and from the ‘normal’ things we do day by day.

Our governments acknowledge the importance of such holidays for the wellbeing of ourselves, our families, friends and community.

Though work can dominate us, we are much more than economic units of production which in turn enables us to be consumers. There is much more to life than money and the ‘stuff’ we seem to accumulate.

Thirty years of Australian research has shown that ‘wellbeing’ or ‘life satisfaction’ are not found in all those extra hours of work or material outcomes.

A holiday reminds us of what sustains us in life – relationships and friendships.

This advertising feature has been sponsored by the following churches. Click the links to find out more:

For the vast majority of people in the Illawarra, Christmas Day is an opportunity to connect with family or friends.

When we are known and loved, life is easier to enjoy. The giving of gifts at Christmas is the expression of this reality. 

This is good and is no accident; God has created us as relational and social beings.

With the birth of Jesus, the deepest longing of our heart is met perfectly and completely: we are known and loved by God.

God has taken the initiative through his son Jesus, born as a baby in Bethlehem that we can connect with him. This is why Christmas is good for all of us.

Enjoy the Christmas Day ‘holiday’ for what it really is: the most blessed ‘holy day’.

To find out more about the Anglican Church services and events happening over Christmas please see the advertisement below. You can also phone or visit the websites for more information.