December 3, 2007

"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way..." (Matthew 1:18).

Many generations after God promised a Messiah, a young girl named Mary conceived a child by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, the young man to whom she was betrothed, was told by an angel that the child she would bear was God's Son, Jesus.

God's power and blessing worked through common lives to bring forth Jesus the Messiah. Joseph and Mary, ordinary young adults nurtured by the generations before them, were open to God's extraordinary activity in their lives. They were common people whose willing hearts and courage powerfully proclaimed the Good News of the one who would save his people from their sins.

Countless generations later, you and I are called to proclaim the Good News of Emmanuel, "God with us." Our neighborhoods, our communities, and our world are filled with those who long to know Jesus' love and saving presence in their lives. God uses us in all our ordinariness and sinfulness to bring forth the promise and light of Christ's love and salvation.

This Christmas, may the Holy Spirit give you faith, courage, and a willing heart as you take part in God's ongoing miracle. May you know the joy and awe that comes from bearing Christ's creative and redeeming love to the world.

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

ELCA News Service