Christmas greetings to you, my sisters and brothers. My name is Tony De La Rosa, interim executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
On behalf of the board and the staff of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, I'd like to wish you all a blessed and a joyous Christmas; feliz Navidad; Jul-ge-un sung-tan-jul-i dei-gi-reul ba-rab-ni-da.
There’s not just a chill in the air here in Louisville, Kentucky, but there’s also a song. A grateful people’s song; my song and yours: Christ is born today! Christ is born to save!
Today is Christmas. A day for love. A day marked by God’s grace and our gratitude. Today a waiting church gives thanks to God for the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ, and for the call we have received to share Christ’s light, spread God’s love, and serve Christ’s church.
The first gift that I received upon my arrival here a few short weeks ago was the incredible love, support, and prayers of my many faithful colleagues here at the Presbyterian Center. I deeply respect the work to which they are called, and the ministries they carry out so faithfully on behalf of Christ’s church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) It is among sisters and brothers such as these where I, in gratitude, get to spend my time, my efforts, and my energy for the building up of Christ’s body, one body.
“Somos el cuerpo de Cristo,” we proclaim when we sing, “We Are the Body of Christ.” God is revealed when we love one another and bring the light of God’s mercy to others. And isn’t that what this holy season of Christmas is all about? Bringing the light of God’s love and mercy? Bringing Christ’s message of hope, justice, and reconciliation to a weary and hurting world, a world torn apart by violence and warfare; hunger and hatred? Christmas reminds us that love came down, and that love has the final word. Because Jesus Christ, God’s incarnate, proclaims good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and the end of oppression.
So, go! Tell it! Wherever this Christmas may find you – atop a high mountain, on a sandy beach, in a bustling city or quiet, small town – my heart joins with yours as together we welcome and worship our newborn Savior. Go, tell it! Jesus Christ is born. Have a blessed and merry Christmas!