Office of the Bishop
New Westminster Eparchy
Christmas Pastoral Letter of 2013
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Thanks to the wonders of electronic communication, reaching people around the world and sharing news, trends and events is possible at the touch of a keyboard or the tap on a smartphone screen. In the last several weeks we have seen first-hand how Ukrainians are struggling for freedoms, the devastation in the Philippines, the on-going plight of the citizens of Syria and of those seeking refuge from the battles that rage on in countries throughout the world. We have become caught up in the media show regarding the leader of Canada’s largest city. As images and sounds from the Philippines came into our homes, we were able to quickly respond with donations and prayers for our dear Filipino sisters and brothers in need.
Certainly, retailers do not fail to use every electronic means of communication available to ensure that we all get caught up in the “spirit of the season” which, for them means: buy, buy and buy!
When Jesus was born, his birth in a small village in Judea in the Roman province of Palestine would hardly have been noticed. There was no CTV or CBC film crew to record and broadcast the event! However, in less than a hundred years communities of His followers could be found in many cities, towns and villages throughout the Roman Empire. The story of Jesus would have passed from person to person by word of mouth, through personal witness, and through the writings of the Gospels, individually hand copied and shared.
I would like to encourage you to bear witness today by opening your Bible and reading the following passage: Luke 2:1-20. Read these words together with your family, share them with your friends, proclaim them on the streets where you live, email them to everyone in your address book.
These words are powerful and will remind us of the true “season”. Today we have such a great ability to communicate so much information, both useful and useless, with so many people instantly. I want to encourage you to share the Good News that the angel of the Lord proclaimed to the simple shepherds in the area of Bethlehem:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)
May our Lord Jesus Christ born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger by His most pure Mother, the Blessed and Ever- virgin Mary, bless you and your family as you celebrate and share with others the Good News of His Nativity!
Sincerely yours in our New-born Lord,
+Ken
Bishop of New Westminster
