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President Palmberg Brings Christmas Greetings
By Glenn Palmberg
CHICAGO, IL (December 25, 2003) - Joyous Christmas greetings to you! It is a
wonderful privilege for me to greet you at this holy and festive time on
behalf of your sisters and brothers throughout the Evangelical Covenant
Church. Across the United States and Canada and in 17 other countries on
four other continents, Covenanters today celebrate the birth of Jesus
Christ.
At some time during these past few days, we have all probably heard once
more the story of Jesus' birth as read from the books of Matthew and Luke.
Many of us can repeat parts of that story by heart. The simplest, most
powerful gospel proclamation comes in the words of the angel to the
shepherds: "Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great
joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a
Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord."
Whatever your life has brought you during this past year, whatever measures
of blessing and pain, the good news of Christmas comes again to you. Christ
himself comes again to you, as he came to the world in Bethlehem so long
ago. He comes to enrich your blessings and comfort you in your pain. He
brings new life as we are born again into him, and whenever we find
ourselves in need of renewal of spirit.
This indeed is "good news of great joy" for us and "for all the people."
Our mission as a Covenant is to proclaim and live out that good news, in
word and deed, for our neighbors at home and around the world. The Savior
born on that day is Lord of all, loves all and calls us to make that love
known. Our mission work around the world continues to grow. At home, we
continue to welcome new and adopted churches. Yet there is still so much
more to be done, so many more people who need to hear the angel's message.
"See, I am bringing you good news of great joy." May you be touched by that
joy this Christmas, and may God bless you and those you love throughout the
coming year.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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