Letter from the Church Council
1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ near and far,
As we gather in this holy season of Advent and Christmas, let us first pause and reflect on the meaning behind this beautiful time. Advent is a season of waiting, of expectation, and of hope. It is a time when we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior, whose birth is the very foundation of our Christian faith.
Why are we Christians? It is because of the great love that God has shown us through His Son, Jesus. We are Christians because we believe in a God who did not remain distant but stepped into our world, into our very lives, to walk with us, love us, and redeem us. Jesus’ birth is the beginning of this story, a story that leads to the cross, to resurrection, and to eternal life. It is a story of love, forgiveness, and hope—a hope that does not fade, no matter how dark the world may seem.
This Christmas season, we are reminded once again of the incredible love that God has for each of us. Jesus was born in a humble manger, not in a palace, to show that God’s love is for everyone—the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak, the joyful and the brokenhearted. It is a love that embraces us just as we are and calls us to share that same love with others.
And what is the source of our hope as Christians? It is Jesus Himself. The people of Israel longed for a Messiah, a Savior who would bring peace and justice. In the birth of Jesus, that hope was fulfilled—not in the way they expected, but in a way far more beautiful and profound. Jesus came to bring hope to the hopeless, to heal the broken, and to offer new life to all who believe.
This hope is not just for the people of two thousand years ago. It is for us today. It is a hope that reminds us that no matter what we are facing—whether it be pain, loss, uncertainty, or fear—God is with us. Emmanuel, “God with us,” means that we are never alone. Jesus’ birth is the promise that God has entered into our world, into our struggles, and that His light shines even in the darkest of times.
As we journey through Advent toward Christmas, let us prepare our hearts to welcome this love and hope once again. Let us open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love, a love that moves us to reach out to others, to care for the hurting, and to be the light of Christ in the world.
But this season is not just about personal reflection. It is also a call to action. Just as Christ gave Himself for us, we are called to give ourselves to one another. In a world that often feels divided and broken, let us be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let us bring the spirit of Christmas—love, hope, and peace—into our homes, our communities, and our world. Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a neighbor, volunteering to serve those in need, or simply extending kindness and grace to those around us, let us be active participants in the mission of Christ’s love.
This Advent and Christmas, I encourage each of us to come together as a community, united in our faith and in our shared hope. Let us be a family that reflects the love of Jesus to everyone we meet, especially those who need it most. When we give, we participate in God’s redemptive work, reminding others that they are seen, valued, and loved by their Creator. Through each small act of generosity, we plant seeds of hope, reflecting the light of Christ in places where it is needed most. In this way, we become living testimonies of His love, inviting others to know Him through our actions.
In that light, the Council extends our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your generosity in giving through offertories. Your contributions have sustained the Church and helped us touch lives in profound ways. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness.
As we review the financial expenditures for the year, we must acknowledge that we, as a church, have not been able to meet the financial target pledged at last year’s AGM. To manage this situation, we have made the decision to temporarily freeze committee spending to ensure the church’s core functions continue uninterrupted.
We are not a church that emphasizes giving out of compulsion. Instead, we trust in the Spirit-led generosity of our members. In this season of financial challenge, we humbly ask each of you to prayerfully consider how you can help us close this gap, every act of generosity will make a significant difference.
In this season of giving, let us remember the words of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Thank you for your understanding, your prayers, and your continued support. May God bless and multiply every effort to sustain His work through our church. Together, we can rise to meet this challenge and continue to be a light in our community.
May this season renew our faith, fill our hearts with peace, and inspire us to be bearers of Christ’s love in the world. Merry Christmas, a Blessed New Year, and may God’s love continue to guide you always.
In Christ,
SION MIRAA – ACC COUNCIL CHAIR