AUSTRALIA Day is increasingly wrought by conflict. In three days we will celebrate the Aussie way of life, but inevitably the occasion will be sullied by demands that it be moved to another date, calls for Australia to become a republic or to withdraw from the war.
I offer no opinion on the topics.
Australia Day is what it is. Let's not get political about it, yoking the celebration with this agenda or that.
We've got every other day to vent our spleens.
As I considered what it means to be Australian, and the endless blessings of living in this wonderful country, I was reminded of something the Queen said in her Christmas Day message to the Commonwealth.
''Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves - from our recklessness or our greed,'' she said.
It was in the evening and the family was lounging around, unable to do much else after gorging on a long Christmas lunch.
A few of us scouted for the remote to flick channels, but before anyone had the opportunity we were entranced by that clipped English accent and its regal yet frank message.
''God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive,'' she continued.
''Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God's love.''
It was a speech made for Christmas, but which extends to every other day, including Australia Day.
Forgiveness lies at the core of reconciliation, whether it's in the context of family, community or the grander scale of history. Forgiveness and peace are great mates.
I think it was the poet Alexander Pope who said: ''To err is human, to forgive, divine.''
Because it's easy to harbour bitterness, contempt, hate. Harder to let them go.
Luke 6:36-37 says: ''Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.''
I look out my window and see my little bit of Australia - a city nestled in the crook of a valley, nursed by a river. I see beauty and bounty. I feel safe and free and forgiven.
Australia is a forgiven country.
God has forgiven its people - whatever that means for you. We only need to claim it.
Because while we may forgive reluctantly - through clenched teeth and with clauses - God's forgiveness is extravagant, pure and complete.
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