Christmas 2025: God’s Presence to Save Families
By: Rev. Lukius Juliandri S.Kep.Ns., M.Kes., M.Miss.
The 2025 Christmas celebration carries special and profound meaning for Christians in Indonesia. Amid the joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the nation mourns a series of natural disasters that have struck various regions, claiming many lives and causing suffering for thousands of families.
This year’s Christmas theme from the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), “God’s Presence to Save Families,” based on Matthew 1:21-24, feels deeply relevant to the current situation facing Indonesian society. This theme is not merely a celebration slogan, but a profound reflection on God’s real presence amid the suffering of His people.
Indonesia has again been tested by a series of natural disasters occurring in the lead-up to Christmas 2025.
Flash floods and landslides hit Sumatra, particularly in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. High rainfall intensity caused rivers to overflow and landslide materials to strike residential areas. Hundreds of homes were damaged and thousands of residents were forced to evacuate to safer locations.
In West Nusa Tenggara, Bima Regency was struck by floods that left thousands of residents homeless and without possessions. Water more than one meter high inundated residents’ homes, schools, and other public facilities.
Strong winds accompanied by heavy rain battered Central Java, especially in the Cilacap and Magelang areas. Dozens of homes were damaged by falling trees and detached roofs. Several schools and places of worship also suffered significant damage. Local residents remain traumatized by the incidents and are working to repair their homes.
North Sulawesi was not spared from disaster either, with floods hitting Bolaang Mongondow. The floods inundated residential areas. Meanwhile, Nias in North Sumatra experienced both floods and landslides.
Various other disasters were also reported across Indonesia. The impacts have been deeply concerning and touch the most profound aspects of humanity. Many families have lost family members, been separated from relatives, lost possessions accumulated over years, and seen their homes damaged or completely destroyed. Deep trauma and grief are felt by victims who must face
Christmas under extremely difficult conditions.
In the context of suffering from these disasters, this year’s Christmas theme invites the faithful to contemplate God’s real presence in every life situation. As written in Matthew 1:21-24, God is present through Jesus Christ to save His people. Joseph, who initially doubted and was confused by Mary’s pregnancy, ultimately obeyed the angel’s command and accepted Mary as his wife. This obedience became the path for God’s saving presence.
God’s presence does not mean instantly eliminating suffering, but rather providing hope and strength for families experiencing difficulties. God is present in every falling tear, in every prayer offered, and in every effort to rise from adversity.
Christmas celebration is not only about joy and festive celebration, but also about solidarity and concern for suffering neighbors. Jesus was born in humility in a manger, not in a palace. His birth teaches that God chooses to be present among those who are weak and suffering. This is a call for every believer to manifest God’s love in concrete actions.
Various churches and Christian organizations throughout Indonesia have demonstrated extraordinary solidarity by raising aid for disaster victims. Logistics including food, clean water, clothing, blankets, and medicines have been continuously distributed. Medical volunteer teams have been deployed to provide health services for victims experiencing injuries and trauma.
Psychosocial support has also been provided to help victims overcome disaster-related trauma. Many congregations have allocated their Christmas offering funds to help affected brothers and sisters.
God’s saving presence is understood not only spiritually, but also manifested in concrete actions. Christians in various regions share the grief and sorrow of victims, and extend helping hands for their recovery. This is the real embodiment of this year’s Christmas theme.
This year’s Christmas theme also invites every family to find strength from Jesus’ presence in facing various life problems. Beyond natural disasters, many families face challenges such as relationship breakdowns, internal divisions, intergenerational conflicts, and increasingly complex modern life challenges.
In this digital era, many families experience communication crises due to busyness and technology dependence. Physical presence does not always mean emotional presence.
Christmas becomes a moment to restore the essence of togetherness in families—sitting together, sharing stories, and listening to each other.
God’s presence in families becomes a source of strength to build togetherness, live harmoniously, and help one another. The values of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation taught by Jesus become the foundation for strengthening family bonds and overcoming various problems faced. A strong family is one capable of manifesting God’s presence in every dynamic of its life.
Christmas celebration also becomes a moment to reflect on the role of Christians in society, nationhood, and statehood. Pluralistic Indonesia needs God’s reconciling presence amid differences. This presence must be manifested in concrete actions to build unity, tolerance, and solidarity.In facing disasters, there are no barriers of religion, ethnicity, or group. Everyone works together to help suffering neighbors. This is the real Indonesia—an Indonesia full of care and humanity. The spirit of mutual cooperation and helping one another becomes key to rising from adversity and building a better future.
Amid the challenges and suffering experienced by this nation, the Christmas message about God’s saving presence provides hope that love and goodness will always triumph over difficulty and suffering. Christmas teaches that light will always overcome darkness, hope will overcome despair, and love will overcome hatred.
Merry Christmas 2025. May God’s presence always accompany, strengthen, and save every Indonesian family. God bless.***
Jombang, December 25, 2025
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