December, 2004

Dear Friends and Colleagues in the Ministry:

Warm greetings to each and all of you, including your families, in the name of Jesus, our Christ, the Prince of Peace!

As I write this final 2004 Rumination and Christmas letter to you, I am in my last week of Church Conferences. Overall, the conferences have been “holy conferencing” and joyous celebrations! Indeed, each and all local churches have a story to tell about their “Passion in Jesus Christ” and ministries that witness to their “Compassion to all God’s children.” As I review the churches in all the clusters-I have seen a new and renewed spirit of commitment and hope even in the midst of financial limitations, and some problems and conflict. At the center of our vision, mission, and ministries is the call to being peacemakers and building peace within us.  

The season of Advent and Christmastide reminds us that Jesus’ peace comes to us with the birth of the Savior. “Glory to God in the highest and peace to all people of good will!”  

In the midst of wars and escalating terror all over the world, we are reminded that Jesus’ peace is not the absence of war and conflict, not the end to our psychological and physical diseases, not a sentimental feeling of “I’m OK, you are OK!” Rather, “Jesus’ peace is a gift that has to do with salvation, with our relationship to God now and into eternity. It means that God is dwelling within us, that God is alive in us!” (Walter Burghardt, S.J.) In the seeming absence of peace, we can still believe, we can still proclaim, and continue to work in ministries and missions that witness to the ultimate reign of peace. To believe in peace is to incarnate peace!  And we can do that because God has come already and is with us through Jesus, our Christ!

And so, with you I proclaim the Peace that indwells within and among us as families, as churches, as communities of faith. I pray that you and your loved ones, even in the midst of sickness and loneliness and separation, will experience anew the peace that passes all understanding. I bring to the manger of Immanuel all your relationships, your visions, your plans for continuing mission and ministry in the communities where God’s call has placed you. Indeed, there is so much to rejoice over! There is so much to hope for!

My family-Jonathan with Aurora and Eric; Noel; Mark with Susan, Layla, Margaux, and Raniel; Melissa Ruth with Fred, Aldrich, Luis, and Kristina Ruth (from the Philippines)-join me in praying that peace will continue to dwell in your hearts, in your families, and in the churches that you serve. Janis also joins me in this greeting and Christmas and New Year wishes and prayers.

Shalom,