Christmas Message 2019

Dear Faithful People of the Diocese of South Carolina,
 
“The Word became flesh and lived among us, …full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
 
My heart is full. As these last days among you wind down and my time as your Bishop draws to a close, I am filled with nothing but gratefulness. I said yes to coming among you at the invitation of the Standing Committee three and one-half years ago, because I sensed this was a call from the Holy Spirit. I had to say yes in order to be faithful. There is nothing that has occurred along the way that has to me indicated otherwise.
 
In just a few days we celebrate once again that to which John’s Gospel points us: the Christ of all creation becoming flesh in Jesus. The One manifest in the animal food dish in a cave in Bethlehem incarnates the fullness of God in mercy, love and never-ending hope, no matter what the circumstances around us may bring. What I want you to know and never to forget is that you, the people of the Diocese of South Carolina, have been the face of God for me. You have, over and over again, been the evidence of the Word dwelling among us, for that dwelling occurs in each of us as the Christ of the Universe is made manifest in all and through all.
 
Bonnie and I will be forever thankful for this sojourn together in your midst. Know how deeply touched we were, even overwhelmed, by the generosity of your gift to us as we part. Thank you too for all of the well-wishes, cards and gifts that have come our way this Advent. Please know, however, that more than anything, it is the gift of you that we celebrate most of all.
 
I pray for you a most blessed and holy Christmastide. Celebrate well. Rejoice deeply. Adore God’s beauty. Love one another. Trust fully that the Word was made flesh and does indeed live among you. I’ve seen it!
 
In the love of Jesus, the gift of the Manger,
 
Bishop Skip