December Letter to the Congregations

For those that can't wait for paper copies to be picked up at church, or mailed out:

Dear friends and supporters of our congregations,

As we work to get ready for a Merry Christmas, the Advent theme of preparation echoes in churches around the world. Yet, in these uncertain times, what do we prepare for? With each passing year, commercial interests and advertising campaigns overtake the Christmas message. The church seems to be a relic and reminder of a time gone by that we can no longer claim.

This fact is not lost to the leadership of The United Church of Canada. “I dreamed of leading our church for a time from a place of strength, wisdom, and creativity. Instead I have been offering my weakness to the church,” says our Moderator, the Rt. Rev. David Giuliano, speaking candidly about his cancer. While he admits this journey is not by choice, “I cannot deny that it has been a gift to me and to others.”

Perhaps this is the Christmas gift of our current situation: a gift of diminishing resources and humility. Such is a dubious blessing, but one that echoes of a Saviour born to in a stable to an ordinary family of a defeated people. From this is born a new revelation of what faith in the world means. From this is born our own future.

In the meantime, we hold fast to the lights of hope, peace, joy and love. Is that enough? Yes, with God, it is more than enough and the only way to change the world.

The blessings of the season to you and yours,
On behalf of Appin and Trinity United Churches,
Kenji