Christmas 2008

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11-12)

Looking back the past 12 months, it is unfortunate that many have allowed fear to infuse their lives. They were overwhelmed by the fear of extremism and terrorism, the fear of economic recession, the fear of natural disasters and diseases, and the fear of future uncertainties.

But in the midst of these life perplexities, my hope and prayer for us is that we may once again capture the sense of holy fearfulness that the shepherds experienced on that Christmas night more than 2000 years ago. Their feeling of shock and awe was not caused by the explosion of a terrorist’s grenade or the merciless pounding of a cyclone, but by that wonderful announcement made by the angel – “A Saviour is born to you!” They were simply awestruck by the reality that God has made His dwelling among men, full of grace and truth. The Word has become flesh. The Infinite has become an infant.

This December, as we listen again to the proclamation of Christ's birth, it is critical that we hold firm to the foundational message of Christmas – that Jesus is the Immanuel, God with us. In Him, we are longer called to live a life of fear, but of faith. May the Spirit of our Triune God saturates us with that holy fearfulness, and fill our hearts with uncontrollable joy so that we can join the great angelic choir in glorifying and praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rest!”

Together with the Executive Council, I wish you and your families, ‘A Joyful Christmas and a Blessed 2009!’ "May the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thes 3:16)

Written by a Bishop