Synod 2024 Edition of the NEA
My dearest brothers and sisters,
We are now in the season of Advent, the time when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ, both as a baby in Bethlehem and as the King of Glory. As we get ourselves ready, it is important that we ask ourselves: “Who is He?” and “Who are we in the light of His presence?”
Fr. Holsapple, in his talk at the Synod banquet, reminded us of two vital truths. He told us that the Bible, Holy Scripture, is not simply a book of history, poetry, and fantastical stories. It is a message from God to US. God is saying to us that He is real, that He loves us, and that He wants to be with us always. As John states: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” We who believe are God’s beloved children. He is our adoring and adored Father, Daddy, the one who loves and cares for us above all creation. And, if we are individually a child of God, then we are brothers and sisters one of another. We are called to treat one another as siblings, with love and tenderness and gentleness to all. Church is not a place we go to on Sundays; it is a family meal every week, where we can rejoice in celebrating with one another the highs and lows of our lives and our discussions with our Father.
The second point that Fr. Holsapple made is that Jesus is right here with us. He is not some distant, far-off god. He walks with us, rests with us, works with us, plays with us. We are never alone; we never need to feel lonely. We have a constant connection with Him, one that cannot be broken. We need not fear, for he will work with us to take all things in our lives and turn them to the good (even when we cannot see it!) As we prepare for the coming of Jesus in Glory, let us always hold fast the fact that He is with us even now. He is our hope and our rock. The message of Scripture is the message for us: God loves us, He has forgiven our sins, He has adopted us as His children. We have an older brother, Jesus, who is with us always, even to the end of the ages! May you always hear the message. May you always experience His presence.
And may we always know that we are beloved brothers and sisters! ——-
Your brother in Christ, +Hendy
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