By Glenn Palmberg
CHICAGO, IL (December 25, 2003) – Joyous Christmas greetings to you! It is a wonderful privilege for me to greet you at this holy and festive time on behalf of your sisters and brothers throughout the Evangelical Covenant Church. Across the United States and Canada and in 17 other countries on four other continents, Covenanters today celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
At some time during these past few days, we have all probably heard once more the story of Jesus’ birth as read from the books of Matthew and Luke. Many of us can repeat parts of that story by heart. The simplest, most powerful gospel proclamation comes in the words of the angel to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
At some time during these past few days, we have all probably heard once more the story of Jesus’ birth as read from the books of Matthew and Luke. Many of us can repeat parts of that story by heart. The simplest, most powerful gospel proclamation comes in the words of the angel to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Whatever your life has brought you during this past year, whatever measures of blessing and pain, the good news of Christmas comes again to you. Christ himself comes again to you, as he came to the world in Bethlehem so long ago. He comes to enrich your blessings and comfort you in your pain. He brings new life as we are born again into him, and whenever we find ourselves in need of renewal of spirit.
This indeed is “good news of great joy” for us and “for all the people.” Our mission as a Covenant is to proclaim and live out that good news, in word and deed, for our neighbors at home and around the world. The Savior born on that day is Lord of all, loves all and calls us to make that love known. Our mission work around the world continues to grow. At home, we continue to welcome new and adopted churches. Yet there is still so much more to be done, so many more people who need to hear the angel’s message.
“See, I am bringing you good news of great joy.” May you be touched by that joy this Christmas, and may God bless you and those you love throughout the coming year.
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.