Dear Ones,
I remember my first encounter with the words from the first chapter of John’s gospel. I had never read or heard anything like it before—so much poetry, theological truth, and revelation in the first 18 verses. At the time, I knew little about church or religion, but these verses told me so much about Christ.
There are so many ways to mark and observe the holy season of Christmastide and this year, I am clinging to Jesus as the light that no amount of darkness can overcome. The light of the Word made flesh, is in us, all around us, and will exist long after us. Even when it isn’t visible to me, just knowing that the light of Christ is shining somewhere fills me with hope. Indeed, I find myself looking for reminders of the power of light—from the smallest flame to pierce the darkness or of the largest lightening strike to flood the night sky. Christ is always coming and is yet here.
You, beloved, are also reminders of the power of light to illumine the world with goodness and peace and generosity. I pray that this Christmas will renew your trust in the power of the light that is Christ to transform the world—even and especially now.
Wishing you abundant joy, peace, and love this Christmastide and always,
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows
