Christmas greeting

Dear friends of the seminary,

Sometimes people act as if Christmas were just for kids. But it’s for grown-ups, too! “Beyond all question,” Paul writes, “the mystery of godliness is great: God appeared in a body” (1 Timothy 3:16). Sages and philosophers could never have imagined it. Even to us who believe, it remains deep mystery, beyond our reason’s ability to search out. We know it only by revelation. God appeared in a body. That means our God is not aloof, lost behind a thousand stars. He has come down to earth and become one of us in Christ Jesus. “We are,” as one writer put it, “a visited planet!”

We share Paul’s wonder and joy as we meditate on Christ’s birth. To think that he who calls the stars by name once became a little baby to remove our earthly woe! At the seminary, our whole purpose is to prepare others to tell this good news. We are thankful for the partnership you share with us in this gospel mission.

December is a busy time of year on seminary hill. Classes are in full swing, assignment deadlines are fast approaching, vacation plans are being made, the campus has been dressed in its holiday finery, and voices echo in the hallways rehearsing joyful songs in preparation for the upcoming Christmas concert.

Despite all the busy-ness of the season, on campus and off, it is also a wonderful time to make a visit. I would like to invite you to join us as the Seminary Chorus presents “Songs of Saints and Angels” on Sunday, December 14th, at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. The Christmas concert brings together friends and family of the seminary as instrumentalists from nearby churches join the students in proclaiming Jesus’ birth through song and music. I hope you can come.

On behalf of the faculty and staff I wish you a Christmas filled with his joy and a New Year with his grace.

Paul O. Wendland
 President