Christmas Message 2025
Rev. Brillis Mathew, the Moderator of the Community of Grace, greeted the community members with a warm Christmas message on Christmas Day. Below is the full text of the message sent out to the members, inviting everyone to continue on this beautiful journey we have begun, and look forward with hope and trust to what He has in store for the coming year
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace!
Merry Christmas!
As we reflect on the past year, we have much to be grateful for as a Community! With Joel Philip’s ordination, we now have another priest among us. Following that, we enjoyed a beautiful Community retreat. This summer, we also marked the thirtieth anniversary of Br. Shaji’s passing. Despite the challenges, we celebrated 25 years of our presence in Dubai and the wider Middle East region during our annual commemoration of Br. Victor.
I have been blessed to spend time with many of you around the world this year, including in India, the UAE, Thailand, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the United States, and Australia. I see in you the light of Christ shining in numerous wonderful ways, through the missions you undertake both individually and together as part of the Community.
We have shared Bible studies and prayer meetings throughout this year. Some of you have completed reading the Gospel of John 25 times, while others are still on the journey. I thank God that we are growing in the precious charism the Lord has given us, treasuring the Scriptures in our hearts. I am especially grateful for our youth, whose faithfulness encourages us each week through song and Scripture! Br. Joemon also received his candidacy in November and, by God’s grace, will be ordained a deacon next year.
No matter the challenges or difficulties we face, individually or as a Community, let us remember that we are on a beautiful journey the Lord has prepared for us. Every day, He is shaping us for something beautiful and everlasting. As Wisdom 10:17 states, God guides us along a marvellous road, providing shelter by day and starlight through the night. We know that He is working all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). This encompasses the past, the present, and the future because “Jesus Christ is the same today as He was yesterday and as He will be forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, we thank the Lord for His constant, loving provision in our lives this year and look forward with hope and trust to what He has in store for the coming year!
As the angels said to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people" (Luke 2:10), let us also spread the joy to the whole world through our lives.
Once again, wishing you and your loved ones a Joyful Christmas!