November 2008

Dear Friends:

As we head towards Advent and a glorious Christmas Season, I feel we need to remind ourselves that despite the financial challenges facing us, and despite the political climate, when we belong to Jesus Christ we have nothing to fear.  In the next few weeks we will celebrate the birth of very God become very Man.  The Incarnation gives us hope.  Knowing that Jesus came to live a perfect life, die a death He did not deserve, but then rise again bodily from the dead and ascend to heaven will transcend any of the "things" we have to go through down here.  The Bible clearly says that all those who believe in Jesus, and put their personal faith and trust in Him as their Lord and Savior will be "saved." 

Add to that the fact that those who believe in Jesus receive the Holy Spirit.  As a Christian, you don't need to go through the things that life throws at you alone.  Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would be a "comforter" who would lead us into "all truth."  In a day and age when true guidance is hard to find, we have a source of wisdom and strength "built in!" 

I recently came back from a trip to England and Italy.  I met with a number of ministers and priests.  In some ways I was encouraged, but in others saddened as I saw church after church losing members and standing empty.  As members of the XnEC we have a lot to be grateful for.  We may be a small jurisdiction, but our people are being transformed in the image of Christ and our parishes are growing.  We are being faithful in preaching the Gospel and teaching God's Word.  God will honor our faithfulness to Him.

I'd also remind you to pray.  Pray as though your life depended upon it.  It was Alfred Lord Tennyson who said "more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."  We are told in Holy Scripture that we don't have because we don't ask.  Recently a missionary told me that God will always answer prayer when you ask Him to glorify Himself in any situation you are in.  Ask God to glorify Himself in your work ... in your family ... in your daily life.  Ask God to glorify Himself in your finances and in your priorities.  Honor Him in everything you say and do.

May God richly bless you as you walk in Faith with Him!

+Bp. Tim