ELCIC National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer
reflects on Luke 2 verse 1

~ posted to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s YouTube Channel on December 19, 2025

In this Christmas message to the church, ELCIC National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer reflects on Luke 2:1: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.”

Set against a world of power and decree, we are invited to listen closely to the Christmas gospel and to ask urgent, faithful questions in the midst of worship, family gatherings, loss and mourning, concern for creation, and the realities facing the world:

• Who saves and who gives peace?
• Who claims our ultimate loyalty?
• Who is it who is good news of great joy?
• And who brings peace built on justice, equality, and the recognition of every human life as sacred?