By Adam Wade, Council of Twelve Apostles

For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

Last Christmas, our family travelled north to Brisbane to spend time with my wife’s family. While we were away, on Christmas Eve our home was invaded by burglars. One of our neighbours called to let us know what had happened. The police came and took statements and fingerprints. Once they had left, my father then walked us around the house via a video call. In each room clothes had been ripped out of wardrobes and strewn across the floor; gifts we had received were missing off shelves; official documents and electronics had disappeared. Many of our possessions that were taken had no great value but were instead important sentimentally—birthday presents we had given our sons, jewellery my wife had worn at her sister’s wedding, a collection of toys I had since I was a small child.

However, what I have noticed since, when relaying our story, is that the response I hear from others has typically been, “Don’t you just feel violated? Angry?” Not really. Strangely, I have instead found myself at times pondering, “I wonder what drives someone to resort to something such as this? Was it desperation? Loss of hope? Hunger? Addiction? Greed?”

I wonder if my questions perhaps derive from my role within the church and the time I have spent with our people as well as those in affiliate organisations, directly involved in assisting those who are in deep need, to help abolish poverty and bring peace to our communities. As I hear others’ stories of achievements, resilience, and hope, I know this is where I need my focus to be, to continue promoting assistance to others, and to provide further support to those in need.

That is part of God’s vision for all of us, and I see glimpses of that vision when I reflect on the care given by a neighbour when she had a family function to attend, in the support given by public servants who have to work on Christmas Eve and keep communities safe, and the love of my family to help in a time of need.

Prayer Phrase

“…do good and share what you have” (Hebrews 13:16).

Enough and to Spare

Take three slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, silently say, “There is enough.” As you exhale, say, “And more to share.” Then name aloud or write down three ways you already experience God’s generosity in your life—big or small. End by asking, “How can I share from what I’ve been given today?”

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.