Why St David’s is wishing you a ‘ferry’ Christmas
The Anglican parish has a very Tasmanian Christmas message, drawing inspiration from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry fiasco. Here’s why they’ve done it.
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No, you don’t need to go to Specsavers — St David’s Cathedral’s Christmas message is poking fun at the Spirits of Tasmania ferries fiasco.
Every year, the Anglican Church in the heart of Hobart’s CBD has a sign with a holiday message and this year it’s deliberately misspelled “berth”, to then correct the message of “long awaited birth”.
Reverend Richard Humphrey said the fiasco could be used as an analogy on hope at Christmas time.
“There is no controversy as such except the church perhaps poking fun at our political leaders,” he said.
“More seriously we are speaking about promises being kept which gives us hope.
“We long for hope, for a promise we can hold on to and look forward to.
“We live in waves of uncertainty, with seemingly no safe harbour. Life can seem like a rough crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania.
“The tale of the boats themselves reminds us it may seem best to not look for the answers in our political system, where promises so often are not delivered.
“Yet the Spirit of Christmas is one of hope.”
He said the stories of the birth of Jesus abound with hope and sense of progress.
“Christmas is not looking back to ancient events but encourage to look forward,” he said.
“God is keeping his promises, and with the birth of our saviour we are guaranteed a secure birth in his coming kingdom. We are to live now in faith and love.
“This Christmas get on board with hope.”
The parish will also be hosting a performance of Handel’s Messiah, which will feature over 65 members of the Argyle Orchestra and Choir, including Saxon O’Donnell.
There will be two performances this weekend, with tickets available online via the St David’s Cathedral website.
Originally published as Why St David’s is wishing you a ‘ferry’ Christmas
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