Purpose and Promise

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2011 Christmas Message from Bishop Claire S. Burkat

Purpose and Promise Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. -- Thessalonians 5:16-24 In this season of Advent and Christmas 2011, St. Paul gives us six admonitions for the Christian life -- three do’s and three don’ts. Do: Express joy every day. Pray as often as you breathe. Live in gratitude no matter what. On the other hand, don’t extinguish the work of the Holy Spirit. Don’t dismiss the hard word of truth. Don’t be naïve; check out for yourself what is good and what is just wrong. The gift of God coming to earth in humble human form, and leaving this earthly life in resurrection and glory, gives us hope, promise, and confidence in our God-given purpose for living. Christ is a purpose and a promise bigger than the troubles and trauma we encounter every day in our lives and our world. We are blessed to be a blessing, not in some chirpy simplification of pain and suffering, but with depth of understanding of sin, and with sacrificial attention and advocacy for “the least of these.” And the God of hope, peace, mercy and love will strengthen us, bless us and consecrate us in body, mind and spirit for our living, our serving and our dying, just as Christ has promised. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you, today and forever. In Christ,

Claire S. Burkat Bishop