Dear brothers and sisters in Christ —
Jesus is born! Let us rejoice! It is truly a blessing for us to be able to come together and worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with one another. We’re coming to the end of our Christmas and New Year celebrations and looking ahead to a new year. Whether 2022 was one of your best years ever or one of the hardest years you’ve had to face so far, the New Year comes with a sense of new beginnings. One where we can look back at the previous year and see where we succeeded and where we failed. Then we look forward to the next year which will come with its own challenges and joys. As the years change one thing we can hold on to as God’s children is that he is unchanging. Human kingdoms may come and go but the kingdom of Jesus is forever. As Daniel saw in his vision;
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7: 13-14)
Our savior was born in a manger in Bethlehem. The savior who is truly Lord of lords, King of kings, and the light of lights brings hope to his creation; no matter how good or bad last year was; no matter how much sorrow or joy you faced. The solemn promise of our Savior Jesus Christ is with you. You are guaranteed the forgiveness of sins, salvation, and life everlasting. Furthermore, just as the Lord your God came in the form of a baby in Bethlehem, He will come again in glory to make all things new. We, as Christians, get to hold on to this wonderful hope no matter what we’re facing. So, as we head into a new year with our resolutions, our hopes, and our prayers, let us continue to pray for the strengthening of our faith and for loving one another. Let us continue to sing praises to our God no matter what sin and this world put in our path.
Blessings in Christ,
Vicar Garrett