Australia is Rediscovering the Real Christmas
By: Bec Harris
Across Australia, many people are asking an unexpected question: Is the nation rediscovering the real meaning of Christmas?
Jacob Hill from the Australian Christian Lobby believes it’s already happening.
During a recent conversation, he noted the cultural shift taking place. “I saw reports that the nativity scene is coming back to Melbourne,” he said. “That’s a really cool idea… something pretty special.”
His surprise reflects a broader movement. Even in places known for progressive politics, traditions once pushed aside are returning.
Why Christian Heritage Still Matters
Hill explains that this renewed interest connects to something deeper, Australia’s foundations.
He said, “Our Constitution has to be taken in the context that we live depending on the mercy of God. It was a Christian country, and we can’t back away from that.”
He argues that Australians have long tried to be accommodating. For years, many stepped back to avoid offence. But now that goodwill seems stretched thin.
“We’ve compromised and given up who we are,” Hill said. “People are realising we’ve crossed the line.”
The Power of Christmas in a Divided Culture
Even in a time of division, Hill believes Christmas still holds cultural power.
“When you look at the first Christmas,” he said, “the message was, ‘The Savior has come.’ Humans are in need of a Savior… it’s part of who we are as Australians. If we lose that, we’re losing who we are.”
He says Christmas keeps pointing us back to hope, redemption, and the belief that Australia should be a blessing to others.
Keeping the Story Relevant in a Changing Culture
How do Australians hold on to the Christmas story while culture continues to shift? According to Hill, we need to stop overthinking it.
“We put too much pressure on ourselves to quantify everything,” he said. Instead, he points to a simple biblical instruction: “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope we’ve got.”
He emphasises that how we share faith matters just as much as what we share. “Peter tells us to do it with gentleness and respect,” he said. “Keep your communications Christlike, gentleness, kindness, love.”
Why Young Australians Are Returning to Faith
One of the most surprising trends is the rise of Gen Z exploring Christianity. Hill says young people are asking tougher questions and thinking more critically than previous generations.
“They’re looking at what has been presented as fact and saying, ‘That doesn’t add up,’” he said. But when they investigate faith, they find consistency. “Once you look at it properly, you see the truth that is there.”
For many younger Australians, faith offers stability, identity, and belonging.
Christmas Still Declares Hope
Christmas continues to resonate across generations because of what it represents.
Hill explains, “Christmas expresses family, togetherness, sharing. That gels with people, especially young people.”
He believes this is why so many still hold onto the season, even if they aren’t deeply religious. The celebration itself points to hope, identity, and community, values Australians deeply treasure.
“Christmas is a declaration that we have a bright future,” he said. “It resonates with most Australians.”
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Canva
