Merry Christmas from Bishop Susan Bell

A Message from the Bishop of Niagara
The Right Reverend Dr. Susan J.A. Bell

 

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful feast day of the nativity of our Lord. 

Angels and shepherds and wise men and prophets, and kings knew the importance of this birth. Their thanksgivings are for cosmic events; for the fulfilment of things long foretold in God’s plan of salvation:  goodwill to all and peace on earth. 

All those mentioned in Jesus's birth narrative understand that something significant has happened—but perhaps none so much as a young Palestinian woman who has just given birth and her protective husband who watches over Mother and baby. My mind often turns to them on this holy day—the objects of so much activity—and yet the centre of care and love for the holy child.

It’s clear from scripture that Mary knew that in this birth, God’s love, brought to us in his son, has come to be with us; to stay with us. And that love has been active ever since bringing transformation to human events and to ordinary lives. 

However you celebrate this day - whether quietly or in community, I hope there is a space where you can give thanks for God’s love: for the promise and potential of it to continue to change this world.

Christmas blessings to you and yours. 

Yours faithfully,

The Right Reverend Dr. Susan J.A. Bell
Bishop of Niagara