25 December 2023, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)
Christmas Greetings from the Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
His First Born Son
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ND there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11)
The prophesied birth of the only Begotten Son of God was not an event of singular significance. It represented the new birth of millions from Abraham to those of us today who are privileged to be called the sons and daughters of God.
On that frigid night in Bethlehem, all who claimed descent from David were present to conform to the order of Augustus Caesar to be enrolled for the tax. Neither did Augustus nor Cyrenius, governor of Syria, know the cardinal reason for all who claimed Bethlehem as his own city to come to the city at this exact time; they considered it an act of expedient government, but God considered it an essential requirement for His Son Jesus to fulfill the prophesy of the place of His birth. It was for this reason that many flocked to the little hamlet of Bethlehem at this time, including Mary and Joseph, and there was no room for them in the inns of Bethlehem.
In the Father’s discretion, His Son would be born under the simplest of provisions – the austere surroundings of a stable. There was no room for us because of our own sins and shortcomings, but for Him who was innocence incarnated, it was a necessity of God’s own ordained will.
The birth of Christ has led to our own rebirth into newness of life through the grace and mercy of God the Father realized in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ was the First Born of all Creation, and literally the new birth of the church itself. 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:12-18)
As mortal men and women, we all face the first death in the flesh, but those who are the elect of God, the second death has no power. Our lives begin and are continued in eternity in Christ. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3) He is our Maker and the Head of the Church. The Church adheres to that great text given in Isaiah: 5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. * 6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.(Isaiah 54:5-8)
The Spirit of Christ at Christmas reveals a great mystery – not so much the mystery of His Virgin Birth, though that is a great mystery. Not so much the Star that heralded His birth. The greater mystery is the Love of God expressed in the gift of His only Begotten Son to a sin-weary world of darkness and depravity. How could His love embrace such vile sinners as we all were ere He forgave and pardoned us?
I pray every reader of this letter will keep Christmas all year round. It is no sin to sing even Christmas carols in July, for Christ is coming a second time, and that Spirit of His Coming shall lift our hearts and hopes forever in the promise.
Merry Christmas to one and all and God bless you all, and God bless His true Church wherever it exists today.
A Happy & Blessed Christmas!
Jerry L. Ogles
Presiding Bishop
Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
