Christmas message 2021 - Fabienne Seguin

Dear Sisters,

Fabienne Seguin - Christmas 2021

Usually, in winter, nature and wildlife are supposed to  "fall asleep" and get ready, quietly, smoothly, secretly for the next season, for a new life. This year, it seems that the earth has too much energy: floods, hurricanes, volcano eruptions…the earth cannot find rest nor quietness.  What about us? Are we in a turmoil as we finish everything at work before the Christmas holidays, looking for a good menu, tidying and  decorating our homes? Or are our hearts and minds depressed because of all the bad news that we can hear: a 5th wave of Covid-19, wars or rumors of war, drama in the Mediterranean or in the Channel amongst refugees, and even domestic violence, climate disorders….

There is a light shining in this desperate world: God sent His most beloved and perfect Son during a quiet night to save us and make us free from the chains of this world. As ambassadors of Christ, it is our duty to keep this light shining and to share it. The Advent season is definitively a good time to share the good news of the Gospel. But it is also an opportunity to remind us of our brothers and sisters around the world who cannot live their faith openly, who really suffer in their bodies and souls for Christ. For them, December 25th will be an ordinary day. They won’t be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior openly, or gather with relatives. They won’t even be able to sing.

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So this year we encourage you to think of and pray for those who are persecuted, isolated, for those who are cold, sick or hungry, who have lost everything, so that, on this specific Christmas day,  they will be filled by the presence of God, His grace, His peace, His love and compassion. Let us join them in our hearts through prayer. Their faith challenges us and inspires us so much!
 
"… I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord…
…Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." (Luke  2:10, 11 and 14)
 
Our Lord and Savior has a good future for us, individually, and as a community. I’m looking forward to living another chapter of the EBWU story with Him and with you in 2022. We will keep on praising and worshiping Him.

On behalf of the EBWU committee, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Every blessing,

Fabienne Seguin
EBWU president (2018 – 2023)