December 2002

Dearly beloved in Christ,

We are at the threshold of another Advent season. Advent reminds us of the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Christmas brings to our minds different images: X-mas carol, X-mas cards, X-mas cake, X-mas tree, Nativity scene and so on. What looms large today is a commercialized Christmas celebration. It seems as if the core message of Christmas is very often ignored in the midst of these celebrations!

The value of our Christmas celebration has to be measured in the light of our proximity to the heavenly voice, yes- the first Christmas carol: “Glory to God in the highest of heavens and on earth peace and goodwill to men.” (Lk.2:14) In our consumeristic culture the motto seems to be the glorification of the human . Hence peace is at stake everywhere. As Dr. Michael Amaladoss, the Roman Catholic thinker rightly reminds us:

In a world that pursues power through money and violence, the God-child is a prophetic affirmation of a counter-culture founded on vulnerability, poverty and love. This is the only way-God’s own way – to peace.

When we are all set to celebrate this year’s Christmas, can we make at least a small attempt to promote peace wherever we are? The Prince of Peace reminds us over and over again “Blessed are the peace makers”.

The displaced, vulnerable, poor child of Bethlehem is the one who ushers in a new era. He is the one who challenges our egoism, luxury and opulence. He challenges us to be with Him for the culmination of God’s plan for this world. How do we respond to this challenge?

Wish you all a Christ-centered Christmas and a happy and meaningful New Year.

Yours in His ministry,

Abraham Achen 

LECTIONARY

You shall call His name Jesus, 

for He will save His people from their sins. --Matthew 1:21

Upcoming Events

•       Parish Retreat - To Be Announced

•       Christmas

•           1 Month Caroling

•           24th Christmas Eve Carol Service

•           25th Morning Service

•        Parish Day – January 26th, 2003, Sunday

•        January 1st—Youth Fellowship Dedication Night

IMPORTANT DAYS IN SABHA/DIOCESAN CALENDAR

 

Date	Importance of the Day
Sun, Dec 01	25 Days Fast Begins, Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth - Joyful Expectation of Christ's Coming
Sun, Dec 08	Birth of John the Baptist, God's Word - Bread of Life - Bible Sunday
Sun, Dec 15	Annunciation to Joseph
Sat, Dec 21	Mar Thoma Church Day
Sun, Dec 22	Rejoice the Lord is Coming
Wed, Dec 25	End of 25 Days Fast Yaldho - Birth of our Lord - God is with us
Sun, Dec 29	Light of the Gospel to All People
Tue, Dec 31	Year Ending - Watch Night Service - Trust in the Lord