In the Christian tradition, Advent is a time of preparation, a time of hope as we look to see the curtain raised between heaven and earth, and so God is revealed to us in the Christmas narrative.

 I don’t know what the people of Afghanistan hope for, but many soldiers hope to return home to families and friends for Christmas, to be reunited with those whom they love, to be with those who nurture and support them. For those who remain here, there will be a Christmas Carol Concert and the Padre and Santa will visit the men and women at their many different places of work, bringing presents, Christmas joy and a message of hope.

The people of Australia bring hope to the soldiers with their many different gifts, cards and letters. The literally hundreds of knitted beanies that have arrived over the last few months, have, with the advent of the cold weather, become the de rigueur fashion item to be seen wearing around our camp. Many a soldier now has a collection of beanies to wear at different times of the day and the week!

Recently I shared in a beautiful Christmas fruit cake, made by the mother of one of our soldiers. This particular cake became so popular, that a small group gathered every afternoon for a few days to share in the joy and hope that this cake brought. A cake rich in colour and taste that brought alive our taste buds, and conveyed a sense of the love of a mother for her daughter. As we shared in the cake and listened to our friend talk about her Mum and her family, for a brief moment the curtain was lifted and we gained fresh insights into her life and that of her family.

May whatever gift you receive this Christmas, or whomever you encounter at this time of the year lift the curtain between heaven and earth and so enable you to see and encounter the glory of God. Advent calls us to stay awake to the opportunity!

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From Chaplain John Sanderson who is currently serving in Afghanistan. John normally serves at the 1st Health Support Battalion based at Holesworthy NSW.