Jesus the hope of Christmas: Anitha's story
When Anitha left India for Australia, she carried more than her belongings. She carried hope and a strong faith that God would guide her family through every challenge. Active in The Salvation Army in both India and now in Queensland, she shares, as Christmas approaches, how Jesus has been her hope through a sometimes-difficult journey.
She writes:
I was born in Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India. I was brought up in a very small village and come from a poor family. While my hometown was largely full of people of Hindu faith, I come from a Christian Salvation Army background. In my life and for my family, Christmas is the most important celebration of the year.
I married a very good man in 2015 who was, and is, part of The Salvation Army, which is both a Christian church and a charity that helps people. He is a great blessing in my life.
For many years, his job was demanding and required him to travel frequently. When we were newly married, this was very hard. My husband and I prayed for a good job so that we could live together.
Overcoming challenges as a new migrant in Australia
In 2017, my husband got a job in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia. This job was a big blessing from God, so my husband, my lovely daughter and I moved from India to Gladstone.
It was a big change, and many troubles came our way, but we have a good Lord who helped us. When we first migrated to Australia, I had mixed feelings. I was very nervous and lacked confidence in this new country.
I struggled a lot, but God’s words and promises in the Bible comforted me: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16–18 NIV).
God led us to The Salvation Army Gladstone and we have been involved here for five years now. The church has been a big blessing. At first, I didn’t have any friends in Gladstone, but the people at The Salvation Army welcomed and encouraged us.
Finding deeper community with The Salvation Army
I didn’t know how to drive, but members of Gladstone Salvation Army helped us with transportation. Every Tuesday, I took my daughter to the Mainly Music program at The Salvation Army.
My pastors helped me to grow spiritually, trained me for ministry and provided opportunities to serve God. It all seemed impossible to me, but God stretched and shaped me.
I completed culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) leadership training organised by my pastors. Now, I’m involved in Kids’ Church, worship and many other aspects of church. I love Kids’ Church, as I can teach the kids about God as well as practical life skills, social skills and personal development.
My husband is also involved, including with the music team. Being involved enriches my faith, helps me lead others more effectively and allows me to grow closer to the Lord.
By God’s grace, I was also selected as a member of the Gladstone Council Advisory Committee to serve the community.
My grandparents, my parents in India, and now my family and I follow Jesus. For me, Christmas means joy, hope and salvation because God sent his only son to save people from sin and offer them eternal life.
Something beautiful grows from challenges
From my home in India to a new life in Australia, God has been with me through every challenge and blessing. Even in the hardest moments, he has worked to turn broken pieces into something beautiful.
Mine is a story of prayer, learning and God’s constant grace guiding me forward.
I would say to anyone reading this who may feel lost or isolated, you can always pray and give thanks to God. Never underestimate the power of prayer, and do not be anxious about anything. God has a unique calling for you, and he will equip you for the work he has for you.
In my life, Jesus is my everything. Jesus is my friend whenever I feel lonely. Jesus is my comforter whenever I am hurting. Jesus is my shepherd whenever I feel hopeless. Jesus is my strength whenever I feel unworthy, weak or have troubles. Jesus is my hope. His love never ever fails. Jesus is my assurance that life is worth living.
Jesus is the only person who gives inner peace and strength. Jesus is the only person who can understand my pain, my joy, my fears and my struggles.
For me, Christmas is a time to give thanks. It means joy, hope and salvation. God sent his only son to save people from sin and offer eternal life. Jesus was born to bring hope to the hopeless, peace to the troubled and forgiveness to the broken.
Christmas is a great time to come and visit a church to find out about Jesus. My family celebrates Christmas at The Salvation Army and also visit a midnight mass every year.
Growing up and still today, we start our Christmas celebration at the beginning of December, decorating our house with lights, stars and nativity scenes.
My parents used to buy new clothes for us at Christmastime and prepare delicious sweets. Christmas was the only occasion we wore new clothes in my childhood, so that made us very happy and made Christmas very special.
The Salvation Army also offers some specialist services and help within wider services to support new migrants and culturally and linguistically (CaLD) individuals, from community programs to spiritual support.
The whole of December [in India] we used to go to carols, singing joyful songs that tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Then in India, and now in Australia, the Sunday school teachers, youth and kids practise to get ready for a special Christmas service.
Every Christmas Eve, we also attend a midnight mass. Going to church is a way to honour, thank and praise God.
Christmas is not only a festival for Christians. For me, Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. In my life, Christmas is the most important celebration.
I want to encourage friends out there who may be on a similar journey as new migrants. Don’t worry. God is looking after you. Jesus says: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (Matthew 6:25–26 NIV).