As we begin this New Year 2025, we will continue to count our blessings and express our gratitude in word and deed to our triune God. Those who went before us, our teachers and pioneers in God’s work, taught us that “Thankfulness” opens the door to the future. We will foster our prayer life and stand behind last year’s banner, ”Prayer Works.” The motto for 2025 given by our Chief Apostle is “It’s time to do good!” What a wonderful combination, praying and working…doing good.
We read in James 2:20,” …faith without works is dead..” With faith we pray and with faith we work at doing good. It is vital for us to use this time of grace by making changes to our thoughts, words, and deeds and align them to the will of God by following the example of Jesus Christ. This is the good we can do towards our own salvation. We also look for and seize the opportunities to do good to our neighbour.
Let us be sensitive to the needs and conditions of our brothers, sisters, family and fellow human beings, both spiritually and naturally. Where possible let us act! (James 2:15-16). We also wish to contribute to the salvation of others and the unity of the congregation by applying the gospel in all situations. In this way, we also do good in the church. It is interesting that we can call upon the Holy Spirit to inspire and give godly impulses and direction as to how, when and where we can do good.
In the divine services, we are strengthened and nourished so that we do not become weary. We are encouraged to move forward towards the goal of our faith: the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us, with heart and soul, do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith.
Together with the Apostles and Bishops in the Canada District we wish you and your families much blessing for the coming year.