Dear Family,
On this date – November 5, 2024, I am writing this Christmas message. When you get this, the 2024 elections will all be over. Some will be elated, and others will be perturbed. But as I write I can only think of turmoil and agitation experienced not only by Mary and Joseph but all those who had to respond to the decree of Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. Joseph went to be enrolled with Mary. They lived in a society, and they were bound by the laws of that society whether they liked it or not.
In the midst of this turmoil, the time came for Mary to give birth to her firstborn Son whom she laid in a manger. This is the fulness of time that St. Paul speaks of in Galatians 4:4. God sent his Son at the right time, one born of a woman, born under the law so that we might receive adoption as his sons and daughters.
Therefore, I write to you God’s beloved sons and daughters and I remind you that we continue to live in the fulness of time which is that eternal today. When Jesus was born the angel of the Lord appeared to those shepherds in the night and proclaimed to them the fulness of time – the eternal today that would be the life changer. So, the message has not changed: Today a Saviour has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord! (See Luke 2:11).
So, this year I invite you to focus on the Child Jesus in the manger. This is the eternal Sign for all of us. May we then join with the multitude of the heavenly of angels praising God:
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of goodwill.
A blessed Christmas to you and all your loved ones.
Yours in Jesus and Mary,
Very Reverend Anthony Aarons, Missionary of Mercy
RECTOR
