On behalf of the seminarians, faculty and staff of Saint John’s Seminary, I want to wish you and your families a blessed, joyful, and healthy Christmas!
Every year we hear the Gospel account of the first Christmas and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. It is a story that never grows old. The child, born in the humblest of circumstances, is proclaimed by the angel as Savior, Messiah, and Lord. He is the one whom Isaiah foretold as the great light that has come into the world and overcome the world’s darkness and gloom. He is the Wonder-Counselor and Prince of Peace.
We appreciate how fitting it is that the lowly shepherds keeping night-watch over their flock, and not the rich and powerful, are the first to hear this good news. As the new day dawns, the glorious announcement of the heavenly host becomes their song and our song: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” This is good news for the whole world!
Jesus Christ came for us all. He came to offer salvation to all, to challenge us to live temperately and devoutly, and to encourage all to wait for the blessed hope. It is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of Mary, who gave himself for us.
Here at Saint John’s Seminary, we continue to embrace the work of priestly life and formation, to proclaim God’s glory, and to be instruments of God’s peace to all.
As we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord, we pray for you today – that you may always know God’s peace and one day share in the fullness of Christ’s glory.
Merry Christmas!
Very Rev. Stephen Salocks
Rector
Saint John's Seminary
