Christmas Message from the Moderator
Let Us Sing a New Song to the Holy One
Click on the above image to view the Moderator’s message.
~ from a post published on December 9, 2024 on The United Church of Canada’s website
The birth of the Christ Child among us changed our world forever. So, this Christmas, the Moderator invites us to look around at the signs of change and new life.
Just as we would look with awe and wonder at the arrival of a child, let us sing a new song to the Holy One.
Transcript of the video message
I am the Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, 44th Moderator of The United Church of Canada.
In the Christian year, Christmas is the start of change. During the Advent season, we anticipate the possibility of change while we realize that the change is not yet here. At Christmas, with the arrival of the Word made flesh in the Christ Child, change is here.
The Hebrew Scriptures proclaim in Psalm 96: “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord; bless [God’s] name; tell of [God’s] salvation from day to day.”
I’ve been reflecting on many things: my first two-and-a-half years as Moderator, anticipating my last six months of my term, commemorating the Centennial of our denomination, preparing for General Council 45 next year, and the seeds we are planting for growth and ministry renewal all across the church.
None of it is easy, but so much of it is good. It has been such a privilege and honour to work alongside you all since the General Council in 2022. So, this Christmas, let’s look around us at the signs of changes and new life.
Let us continue to do the work of deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring justice, and to be a blessing to God’s name.
Just like we would look with awe and wonder at the arrival of a child, let us sing a new song to the Holy One.