Partners in Mission:

We have experienced the shortest possible Advent season this year. When Christmas falls on a Monday it can feel as if Advent, the time of preparation, gets even less notice. Add into that our cultural Christmas in which many congregations of many denominations participate have already moved to Christmas. This season of preparation again gets less time.

Yet sometimes a fleeting time is in fact the most impactful. Knowing there are only so many days to make these preparations perhaps could make us notice them more. To be more alert and aware of the ways we mark the time to Christmas. Our celebrations of St. Nick, the Virgin of Guadalupe, Santa Lucia, the posadas, all become even more notable for us when we count our days. When the fourth candle of the advent wreath will only burn one day. All making the power and wonder of God coming in Christ more stunning and beautiful.

So as you mark these days know you are in my prayers. Especially we remember all our church professionals, clergy, lay authorized leaders, and the multitude of volunteers who make these celebrations happen. May you have a blessed Christmas and a Joyful New Year.

In Christ,

Bishop Gronberg