As the song says, “It's the most wonderful time of the year” 

I love Christmas. I love the lights, the music, the special services, and the gatherings. It is the most wonderful time of the year. 

The most wonderful aspect of Christmas is that it celebrates the coming of Christ into our world. It is a reminder that there is hope. In the midst of all the darkness, there is light.  In John 1, God tells us that the darkness has not overcome the light of the glory of God. 

My prayer for you is that this Christmas you may have and hold onto the hope which we have in Jesus. We may wonder what the future holds for the church which Christ initiated. I need not talk of the struggles all churches are having in a myriad of ways.

I would rather be reminded of God’s promises. Paul tells us that Jesus is ruling the world for the church. “God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body” (Eph. 1:22).

Instead of lamenting over the darkness or fearing what lies ahead, I invite you to be proactive in bringing the light of Christ into the world.

We do this by faithfully proclaiming the truth that salvation is found in Christ alone, by sharing His care for the sick, the poor and the needy, and by showing unity in our love for each other.

Not only will we shine forth the true light, but we will quicken the day when Christ will come again.  We are told that Christ will return when the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world (Matt. 25:14).

What a day that will be!  Every knee shall bow and confess Jesus as Lord!

I love the lights of Christmas, but the future it points to will be much brighter. 

May Christ’s light shine in the Regional Synod of Canada as we hold forth the word of hope!

Blessings
Rev. John Kapteyn
Executive Secretary
Regional Synod of Canada, RCA