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The
Word became flesh and lived among us
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2009
Christmas Letter |
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"This
will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of
cloth and lying in a manger." Luke 2: 12
In all of the activities and events of this Christmas season, the
verses above give us a sense of what the first Christmas morning was
like. A time of excitement, yet serenity, a time of anticipation, the
realization of the most precious Gift that could ever come to
mankind...Jesus, the Son of God.
We live at a time and age when the word Christmas seems to be
constantly under attack as we Christians are encouraged to somehow
feel "guilty" when it comes to this special time. Well, we
are "NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL." Rom 1: 16. Leading us into
Christmas is this season of Advent. Advent is the season of
expectation and hopefulness, which cries out, even in the midst of
despair, confusion and doubt, "Come thou, long expected
Jesus!" Advent is the time of waiting and watchfulness; of
remembering and hoping; of preparation and prayer. We hope you are
watching with us!
I encourage you in as sincere way as I can to keep Christ pre-eminent
in all you do and say through this Christmas. It is important to
remember that great ministry opportunities exist this time of the year
as many people are struggling with depression and loneliness as
memories of "what used to be" are filling their minds.
By keeping Christ, we can be sure to reach out to those around us with
the true message of Christmas and that is that Jesus Christ came to
seek and to save that which is lost.
Take time to be faithful to church and participate at our Lord's
table, as well as remember to pray and read the word, and you will be
ready in ways you never dreamed of. Whatever you do this season,
remember that we are rejoicing that we have this gift of a Child born
in a manger through whom alone we have salvation.
We are having many events here in St Andrew's during the season. If
you need any further information please contact the church office via
e-mail, or by calling 250-656-5322. Let us know what we can do to add
Joy to your Christmas especially if you are alone or in need.
Be sure to invite a friend to church. This is one of the greatest
times in the year to
invite someone to attend church with you. So ask the Lord to help you
think of a few people right now to invite so they too can hear the
message of Christ at Christmas.
May God richly bless you all this Christmas and always!
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Yours
Faithfully,
Osita C. Oluigbo +
(Rector)
P.S.: Our Special Christmas Offering
this year is for Parish Ministry.
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