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Christmas greetings on behalf of the bishops of the Anglican Network in Canada
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20 December 2010
Dear Friends in Christ:
This festive season is universally associated with families coming together to celebrate a “family event” which took place just over 2000 years ago. So we in ANiC, as members of a particular part of Christ's Holy Catholic Church, use this time to rejoice in that which makes us a very real family as well. Like the Holy Family of old, we are brought together in love and unity as we (figuratively) gather around the manger of Bethlehem and gaze upon the Baby. As we gather there, focused on God’s great gift of His Son, those things that so easily separate us vanish and we realize again the joy of that timeless story. The good news of this great gift cannot be suppressed. We feel compelled to share it with a world of people who have wandered in so many sad directions, never successfully finding what they seek.
I recently heard a touching story attributed to Moses. As he was tending Jethro's flock, a little sheep bolted and ran out into the wilderness. Moses went after it, and eventually found it near the ruins of an old cistern, drinking the water still remaining. Picking it up gently he murmured, “Little one, now I know why you left the rest of us. You were thirsty“
Many people this Christmas have wandered from the Flock of Christ, because they are thirsting for something that they were not finding in a weakened, diluted and adulterated message that basically says, “Anything goes”. When that is the case, they cannot be blamed for straying.
As we again are restored and made whole this Christmas by Word and Sacrament, may we be granted fresh courage and determination to spread “these glad tidings of great joy which shall be for all people”. Each of us is entrusted with taking a part in seeing that “this Saviour who is Christ the Lord” is made known to others as indeed He is made known to us. But then, that is the essence of Evangelism and Church Planting to which we have committed ourselves so completely.
Bishops Malcolm, Ronald, Stephen, Trevor, Charlie and I, and our families, join in extending love and greetings for a Blessed Christmas. May its true meaning be yours, and may it bring you deep and abiding happiness! And may it be a happiness that each one of us will share with at least one other person.
Much has been granted to us and much will be required.
+ Donald
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