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CHRISTMAS 2025 is a moment of deep reflection for churches and Christians in Indonesia. Through the theme “God Is Present to Save the Family.” The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) invite people to refocus on the family as the primary place where God’s presence is felt, as well as a place where faith, love, and hope are tested by the various challenges of our time.
Amidst the various crises plaguing family life today, this Christmas message affirms that Christ’s presence remains real, restoring fragile relationships and strengthening families so they can become sources of peace and hope for their communities.
The following is the 2025 Christmas theme, proposed by the PGI and the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia (KWI), along with its profound meaning. Based on information gathered from various sources.
According to information from the official PGI website, PGI, along with the Indonesian Christian Association (KWI), has set the theme for Christmas 2025 as “God is Present to Save the Family,” based on Matthew 1:21–24.
The PGI’s General Chair, Rev. Jacklevyn Manuputty, stated that this theme stems from concern over the various issues facing families today. Various vulnerabilities, such as the trap of online loans, online gambling, domestic violence, divorce, and economic pressures, are considered to have eroded the integrity and warmth of family relationships.
Through this theme, churches are invited to be present in a concrete way to support families experiencing difficulties, without being limited by denominational boundaries. Christmas is once again reminded as a celebration of God’s presence through Jesus Christ, who was born into the human family.
The story in Matthew 1:21–24 depicts how God fulfilled His promise of salvation through the birth of Jesus into the family of Mary and Joseph. The very name of Jesus emphasizes His role as Savior, while Joseph’s acceptance of Mary amidst her inner struggle exemplifies faith and obedience to God’s will.
Through this story, the Indonesian Gospel of Jesus Christ (PGI) and the Indonesian Christian Conference (KWI) emphasize that the family is the smallest church, where the value of Christ’s love is first lived. The celebration of Christmas also serves as a reflective moment to recognize God’s presence, which continues to restore and strengthen families.
In their 2025 Christmas message, the PGI and KWI also highlight various global crises, ranging from the breakdown of social relations, the family and education crisis, ecological issues, to the challenges posed by rapid technological developments such as artificial intelligence. Many of these crises arise when humans prioritize their own desires over God’s.
Therefore, Christian families are invited to open their hearts to the saving presence of Christ, restore broken relationships, and strengthen the family so that it can become a source of love, care, and hope for those around them. This Christmas message also serves as a spiritual guide for the congregation to bring peace to their daily lives. [antaranews]
