Dear all

At this time of Christmas I cannot help but think of the many less fortunate
people in the world who, for whatever reason, find Christmas to be a lonely,
difficult experience rather than a joyful blessing.  Being a selfish sinner
myself, I tend to get so wrapped up in myself, focusing my eyes on my
troubles, my sorrows and my misfortunes, but as I ponder on the meaning of
that first Christmas I can no longer remain inward.

Jesus came for one purpose and one purpose only...to die for the sins of the
whole world and to reconcile to God those who were estranged from Him.  And
so my thoughts turn to that Christian Palestinian mother whose baby was born
dead due to Israeli oppression...that Chinese pastor who languishes in
prison because he was bold enough to speak the truth...that African farmer
and his family who were robbed of their land and their home...those
displaced people all over the world who were forced to leave their countries
of birth and seek a home elsewhere...the unborn, the elderly and the infirm
in lands which no longer recognize the sanctity of life...those who are far
from home and the ones they love because they have chosen to defend
them...our men and women in arms...the heathen who have been blinded by the
god of their religion...parents who have lost their children and children
who have lost their parents...and as I think on these people, I lose sight
of my petty selfishness and begin to see a little of what our Father saw
when He sent His only begotten Son into the world for the world.

That first Christmas, He gave Himself so that He might receive us  And He
has received us so that He might give us for the life of the world.
Beloved, if we say we know Him, let us walk just as He walked and give
ourselves to save sinners.

May you all experience the true blessing of Christmas this year and the
next.

Fr. J.+

The Rev. Fr. Johann W. Vanderbijl III, Rector
Christ Covenant Church, Reformed Episcopal
Greenville, SC