Christmas – 2015

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them (St. Luke, 2. 15).

To my brothers and sisters in Christ at St. James, Merry Christmas! Once again, it is with great joy that I write to you as we celebrate the Miracle of Our Lord’s Holy Incarnation. I pray that you all have been able to share in that joy through the fellowship of family and friends as we come together in the spirit of the season.

But even as we bask in the glory of this Miracle, the message of Christmas presents us with such a wonderful opportunity; the opportunity to be like those shepherds who were among the first to witness the Birth of Our Savior; the opportunity to join them with the whole heavenly host of angels in praising God “for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto the “; the opportunity to lead our friends and family to Christ.

By God’s Grace, we have been given to hear and see the great Miracle of Our Lord’s Incarnation; we have likewise been given to know His Holy Gospel and the Good News that it proclaims to all mankind. This year, as we celebrate the Birth of Christ, I pray that you will be so motivated by the joy of the season that you will be compelled to share your joy with others. I pray that you will be true shepherds of God’s flock, and invite them to join with you at St. James in “glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them“.

Most of all, I pray for the Spiritual growth of this Parish, and that it will inspire you to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ in the praise and worship of God at every opportunity. I likewise pray that you will enjoy a healthy and prosperous New Year, and that your friends and loved ones will know the same. Let the Miracle of the Incarnation of God infuse your thoughts, your prayers, your every utterance, as you persevere in the secular world. And I pray that each of you will forever praise and glorify God, never losing the joy that we feel in our hearts at Christmas.

Yours in Christ,

Daniel J. Jennings+