Bishop's 2011 Christmas Message
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During Christmas, we turn to the gospels of Sts. Mathew and Luke for stories about our savior's birth. Yet, I am reminded of verse five from the first book of St. John's gospel.
"The light shines in the darkness, And the darkness has not overcome it."
We know about darkness here in the far north, especially at this time of year. I think for this reason we especially appreciate the role light plays in our lives. In St. John's own way, I think he is describing our Lord's birth.
Imagine with me the darkness of a desert night; a brilliant star leads wise men while angels guide shepherds to a manger in a small village. There they find another kind of light, they find St. John's Word in the flesh, bound up with what were probably not very clean rags with wide eyes taking in the scene. Sheep, goats and cattle shift restlessly in their pens as the visitors come to pay homage; the wise men in rich robes, the shepherds with thick wool cloaks over their simple tunics kneel in adoration.
We are invited this season to also make homage to the infant Lord. We do that by sharing Christ' love with our family and friends, with the poor, the sick or those in despair. That is how the light of Christ shall overcome the darkness.
May God bless you this Christmas season and throughout the year.
Bishop Donald Kettler.Image Credit: Hermanolean Clipart
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