A Special Celebration & God’s Wonderful Promise

Last week, Felicity and I travelled to Samoa for a very special family celebration. Our eldest daughter, Sara Jane, and her cousin, Bryn Eaton, together with other family members, received the chiefly title “Feagai ma Alii.” It was a significant and joy-filled occasion for our family, with relatives coming from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to be part of the event.

The day began early, as church ministers arrived at 6:30 a.m. to bless the meeting fale and pray for those receiving their titles. Soon after, village chiefs and families gathered at our family meeting house, Punapuna, in Tiavea. Around 300 people attended the traditional Samoan ceremony known as Fa‘afotualii. It was truly a day of honour and thanksgiving for the Auva’a family.

We give special acknowledgement and respect to the village leaders of Tiavea: Tulou le susu o Tuiavaii ma le uso Alii, Valai ma le Taauso, Tainane le Falelua.

Receiving a chiefly title is a respected and sacred tradition in Samoan culture. It reminds us that leadership is not about status, but service — guiding one’s family and community under God’s direction and love. In many ways, this mirrors the Christian calling to lead with humility, compassion, and wisdom.

During our visit, Felicity and I were also invited to share about our faith on Samoan television. One of the questions asked was, “Is New Zealand still a Christian country?” That question reminded us of our calling as God’s people — to be salt and light in an increasingly secular world. As our nation drifts further from the moral and spiritual foundations of the Christian faith, our mission becomes even more urgent: to share the hope of Christ wherever we are.

And now, as we turn our hearts toward the Christmas season, this calling becomes even clearer.

God’s Wonderful Promise

Yes — the Christmas season is coming!

Soon we will celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Families everywhere are preparing for gatherings and times of joy. As a church, we are also preparing for our annual community Christmas dinner and our special Christmas services.

But Christmas is far more than a festive holiday — it is the celebration of God’s wonderful promise fulfilled. Long before Jesus’ birth, God spoke through His prophets:

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said… ‘they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” — Matthew 1:22–23

Immanuel — God with us.
That is the heart of Christmas. Jesus came to bring us hope, peace, and new life. He is God’s greatest promise fulfilled — love made visible in human form.

As we prepare for our celebrations, may we remember that Christmas is the story of God coming close to us. Let us take every opportunity to share this wonderful message..