Besides Jesus, Mary and Joseph, my favourite characters in the Christmas story are the Shepherds. There’s hardly a more unlikely group to be first recipients of the news that God’s Son was born on earth. Shepherds were the kind of blokes last on anyone’s list to share something valuable with. They had a reputation of being untrustworthy and unholy, which made them unwelcome by almost everyone. The Shepherds inclusion as first responders in the Christmas story, is what makes it so surprising. 

It was to this unlikely bunch God sent a mighty messenger from heaven, surrounded by the light of his glory and accompanied by an army of angelic warriors. The message announced was also unlikely to Shepherds who would have expected bad news from God. But it was good news of great joy for all people…even shepherds…even you and me! 

Christmas can be quite familiar to us, to the point we don’t expect anything unlikely to happen. Yet the first Christmas was unlike anything that’s happened before or since. Elizabeth Elliot wrote, A thousand times in history a baby has become a king, but only once in history did a King become a baby. 

The unlikely happened, and if you consider yourself unlikely to receive something good from God, then Christmas is for you. God came to this world in an unlikely way, and announced his coming to unlikely people, which kind of wrecks our protests of being an unlikely person that God would care about. It’s the whole point of Christmas. God is not like what most people think he is like, and we are not like those we think God would love. That’s the good news of great joy for all people. 

The King who is born is a Saviour. As unlikely at it seems, God came to rescue us from fear, loneliness, boredom, hatred, addictions, empty pursuits, dead end streets, broken dreams, despair, guilt and annual cycles of regret. Jesus came to turn our lives around, from the inside out. He came to wipe the slate clean, to start again in a new relationship with him. There is no greater Christmas gift than to receive the King who was born, and all the benefits of walking with God everyday as his child. 

What we thought was unlikely, is actually the most likely thing when we experience it. It’s what we were created for and born to live. The God shaped hole can be filled, and the life we long for can be lived. We finally discover that we were made to be like Jesus, made in the image of God, made to be filled with his love and to fulfill his great purpose. 

May you know the blessing and love of Jesus this Christmas, and in 2025 you are so welcome to come worship Jesus with us and share his love in our neighbourhood.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours, Marty and Leanne Luke

This past week has been filled with joy and expectation as many people came together to prepare for the wedding of Bek and Louis! Thank you to everyone who lent a hand in the preparations, ensuring this special occasion is overflowing with love and celebration. It is such a joy to witness the body of Christ coming together in various ways, and truly reflects the beauty and care of our church family as we honour and support one another through moments of love, commitment and shared joy.

Although Thanksgiving Sunday was last week, I can’t help but continue to express my thanks! Particularly to everyone who contributed to the Christmas hampers this year. Whether you gave financially, helped collect items, or assisted with packing and distributing, thank you! This was my first year organising the hampers, and after speaking to our local school chaplains, it’s clear just how great the need is in our neighbourhood. Because of your generosity, families will experience the tangible love and care of God this Christmas. I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”  Such love for others glorifies God by reflecting our love for him. 

As we celebrate this season of giving, we are reminded of the greatest act of generosity the world has ever known, God giving us His Son, Jesus. This gift was not wrapped in beautiful christmas paper, or adorned with ribbons, but came in the form of a humble baby, born in a manger, sent to bring hope and salvation to a broken world. Christmas is a beautiful time to reflect on this extraordinary gift, recognising that God’s generosity inspires our own acts of kindness and love.

Let’s embrace this spirit of service and generosity, letting our light shine brightly, during this Christmas season as we step out in anticipation, trusting that God will use every effort, no matter how big or small, to bring hope and transformation to those around us. 

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, 

that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” 

(Matt 5:14-16)

Mel

Thanksgiving Sunday at the end of each year is so important. We pause again to remember God’s goodness and love that has made a difference to us in 2024 through the good and hard seasons. Of special focus this Sunday, is thankfulness for the people who have served and blessed us and our neighbourhood. The list of how people shared Jesus love and message is long, and was expressed in a great variety of ways – most of them unseen. 

I have always loved the church, but it seems to overflow when I see the brilliance of Jesus emanating his light through a diversity of people, totally available to be his hands and feet. It’s stunning to witness, and a privilege to be part of! I guess that’s why the bible calls service a gift, because you feel alive and grateful to be a channel of God’s love. 

No list will come close to recording what Jesus did through his church in 2024, but thanksgiving Sunday is a day to remember why we serve and who it’s for.  Jesus shares our purpose best in Matthew 5:14-16. 

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  

If you have shone your light in any way at The Grove this year, we rejoice in the Lord for you today. Our Father has been glorified, as good deeds have expressed his love to many. We have some special things planned for the service to give thanks, and Krispy Kreme donuts and thanksgiving milkshakes afterwards! 

On behalf of Leanne and I, and my broader family, I give thanks for the incredible love that’s been poured out on us in a difficult loss and a challenging season this year. Times like this reveal the true heart of a church and prove the depths and reality of God’s love like nothing else. We are so grateful for our family at The Grove, and give thanks to the Lord for you and with you today.  

Marty

Embracing Life’s Milestones

This week has brought our family some beautiful and bittersweet moments, reminding me of the milestones that shape our journey. Our youngest daughter, Bec, graduated from high school this week, marking the close of a significant chapter in her life—and in ours. 

Earlier this term, Bec’s school invited parents of year 12 students to write a letter to their child to be included in their Graduation pack, given to students on Graduation night. As I took time to reflect on Bec’s schooling journey, I couldn’t help but feel emotional, recalling not only her remarkable achievements but also God’s faithful presence in our lives through every season. Each milestone, no matter how big or small, is a reminder of God’s guidance, grace, and faithfulness. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” God is with us in each of these seasons, walking beside us as we experience the joy of new beginnings, the challenges of growth, and even the bittersweet moments of letting go.

Watching our daughter reach this point has reminded me of the balance we all seek between holding on and letting go. As parents, it can be hard to release our children into the world and trust that they are ready for what lies ahead. But we find peace in knowing that God has been, and will continue to be, their constant guide. This season of graduation marks not only her stepping out in independence as she embarks on a new career, but also, as parents, our own journey of trusting God’s plan for her life.

As we journey through different seasons in life, and encounter moments that challenge us to grow and trust God in new ways, may we know that we are never alone. May we continue to be encouraged in Jesus’ comforting promise in Matt 28:20: “... I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” No matter what changes or challenges we face, God’s presence and love are unwavering and His promise is the anchor we can hold onto as we embrace each new season of life. 

God is shaping us through each moment and for the paths He is guiding us on, and whether we are parents watching our children grow, young adults stepping into new opportunities, or adults navigating transitions, each moment matters in God’s eyes. He is at 

work in and through each of us, equipping us for the things that we face 

and preparing us for what lies ahead.

God bless,

Mel

Make Room: A New Season of Welcoming Jesus and Others

On Wednesday night, something special happened during our worship and prayer gathering. A lady, her face partly hidden under a hat, caught my attention. She was there in disguise on purpose. Her name: Emily Argote! Emily, a Brazilian woman baptized at The Grove two years ago, came back to surprise us! Since her baptism, her faith has influenced her family deeply: her son and daughter-in-law came to follow Jesus and were also baptized. Now, they are sharing the gospel with their children.

Though Emily moved to Melbourne, she still calls The Grove her family, joining us online each week. Her visit was a powerful reminder of how God connects people across places and backgrounds. In a beautiful moment that night, Emily led us in prayer in her native language, filling the room with a deeply personal expression of worship.

Today, as we begin our new series "Make Room" in Luke 1-2, Emily’s story reminds us of God’s heart for all people. Luke’s account shows how Jesus always made room for others to come to God. Unlike the innkeeper who had no space for Mary and Joseph, God always has room for those who seek Him. Just as Emily and her family found a place in God’s family, the invitation extends to all. 

The past 30 days have been a sacred season for us, strengthening and comforting our faith. Now, we sense God’s call to make room for more people, to move forward in faith, and to share His love with those around us.

How Can We Make Room for Jesus and Others This Season?

As we approach Christmas, here are some ways to live out this call:

• Make Room for Jesus Personally: Set aside time in His Word, reading through the Gospel of Luke. Use this season to deepen your relationship with Him.

• Make Room for More at The Grove: Help create a welcoming space by parking next door on busy Sundays or greeting someone new. Small actions make room for others to feel at home.

• Make Room for the Next Generation: Pray regularly for our youth and consider supporting our church’s ministry as we invest in their future.

• Make Room for Those Seeking Jesus: Invite someone to Alpha this Wednesday, where they can explore faith in a welcoming environment.

• Make Room in Our Schedules to Share Jesus’ Love: Look for daily opportunities to share Jesus with those around you—in your workplace, neighborhood, and community.

• Make Room for the Holy Spirit’s Work: Join us in prayer weekly and come together to worship, respond to God’s Word, and connect with each other.

Jesus made room for us—He came humbly, welcoming all to experience His love. 

As we respond in worship, let’s also open our hearts and lives to others in these final 

months of 2024. Let’s make room for more to come.

Marty