Presiding Bishop's Christmas Message

December, 2017

Let us Pray: Almighty God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by the Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen

Once again, this Christmastide, we are confronted with the great mystery of God's love made manifest. The mystery of God's presence as a human child comes to us with the gentle force that cannot be denied. And, once again, we are compelled to reach out our arms and embrace the God who has given us all.

What is it that we see at this time of year? What are the signs and wonders that have been foretold? It is as difficult to quantify these signs and wonders as it is to solve all the mysteries in heaven and earth. There is, despite our human desire to solve every puzzle that we find, the ever present mystery of God's love for us.

It is a simple story: at one time, many years ago, a child was born to a poor couple in a remote corner of Judea. Though many had been waiting for such a coming, no one could have predicted such an entrance. No human mind could have imagined that God would ever choose to reach out to us in such an understated, quiet and almost obscure manner. After all, this is God.

And yet, as if a remote corner of the human heart were somehow opened to the reality of God's presence among us, we begin to know; we begin to understand that something truly wonderful has come among us. As simple as the story is, all the universe focuses on this precise moment; all of God's creation pauses in wonder at the humble miracle at Bethlehem.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Your Brother in Christ,

+Brian