Messages from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…”

(Titus 3:4-5a)

Into this shadowed world light shines and joyous voices sing. Glad tidings cheer the heart and liberate hope. “A child has been born for us, a son given to us” (Isaiah 9:6). God our Savior has appeared!

God’s saving goodness and loving-kindness have arrived in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Though hidden in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Though hidden in the humanity of a manger, and later in the scandal of the cross, God’s promise is being made good in plain sight for all to see, in a life of generous mercy, richly poured out for all.

 “See, your salvation comes.” The prophet wrote (Isaiah 62:11). God’s faithfulness to God’s promises call us to a new hope, for the hope of eternal life is an inheritance that we can enjoy today in lives of generosity, and compassion, joy and peace.

Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

A Christmas Message from Bishop Aitken  

Salvation can only come from a person. We all know this is true, deep down in our soul. All kinds of people became aware of this truth in the Christmas story. The wise men (Magi) knew it. They knew the star pointed beyond itself to a child. Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds were told of it. Even King Herod suspected it. It was not a book, a sociological theory, a new political system, nor a psychological tool that God sent the world at Christmas. He sent a child. His own son.

The most wonderful intensive care unit, full of the latest machines is nothing if there is no PERSON willing to operate them. The finest schools with the best books and state of the art techno gadgets cannot help the neglected child without a PERSON; a voice, a hand, a heart filled with love. And this PERSON did come - filled with a loving heart, caring hands and willing spirit. Jesus, Emmanuel, "God with us."

I share with you the wonder of God's salvation to us in Jesus. Don't keep this news to yourself!

Bishop Thomas M. Aitken, Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA