December 2018 | Pentecost Volume XVI | Issue 12 | Rs. 150 Per Annum NCCI organizes National Ecumenical Youth Assembly 2018

2019 will be the Year of Festivals: CSI Synod Mission Board 2018

02 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

EDITOR’S DESK “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews; the Messiah”?

Christmas is a festival of great joy; a everything was superficial and pretence. died an instant death. festival that invites everyone to embark In such a city, one will not find the child At the same time the Evangelist, on a lifelong exploratory pilgrimage. For who has been born King of the Jews. reminding his readers of the prophecy of the major protagonists of the Christmas Jerusalem had habitually killed the Micah, informs them: 'And you, story, Joseph and Mary, it was a prophets, had taken pride in burying Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by pilgrimage of understanding the truth, true religion and justice. Jerusalem no means least among the rulers of meaning and significance of life together, became symbolic of that space where Judah; for from you shall come a ruler comprehending what abiding love, religion had become a business, where who is to shepherd my people Israel” constant faith and lifelong commitment people were not allowed to worship (Matt. 2:6). Bethlehem, though it was the mean. In a world encircled by poverty without indulging in business, where birth place of David, the shepherd king, and violence, marginalization and money, power and authority were was a little-known, remote village, but exclusion, the victims of abusive powers, worshiped and glorified, where traditions endowed with tight-knit family ties and empire and injustice waited patiently for and rituals took the centre stage and bonds, where human relationships were a sign. The angels' 'Do not be afraid', and hijacked true religion, where traditions sacred and celebrated! The people in the rising of a star of the east gave new were honoured more than simple Bethlehem shared deep relationships, rays of hope amidst hopelessness to transforming faith, where insincerity, knowledge, understanding and they those who were perplexed, terrified and pretence, hypocrisy became the order of were a strong rock-like support to each frightened. As the shepherds began their the day, in such a city, one will not find the other. In fact, when Joseph wanted to quest to find the sign of liberation and child who has been destined to be the divorce Mary quietly, he was reminded of praise God, the three wise men from the Messiah. Naturally, the city and all its his Bethlehem roots and called to show east began their pilgrimage to see and citizens were terrified, perplexed and commitment and faithfulness even worship the Child, born to be the began scheming when the good news of under dire circumstances. In a family Messiah. Matthew, the evangelist allows the birth of a Messiah was announced to where there is mutual respect, care and the three wise men to voice out loudly them (Matt. 2:3). When the wise of this love, where faithfulness and commitment the central exploratory theme of his world, instead of faithfully following and are celebrated, where persons are Gospel “Where is the child who has been interpreting the signs of the times, give accepted as they are, respected for what born King of the Jews?” (Matt. 2:2) credence to rational instinct of looking they are, where people find a safe space, The Gospel of Matthew is all about for Messiah, the king among those who security and strong refuge, one will find answering the exploratory question. represent the subjugating empire, they the child who has been born King of the “Where is the child who has been born leave the innocent and defenceless Jews; the Messiah. King of the Jews?” Matthew gives a vulnerable. The result of the wise men Though Bethlehem was an under simple yet profound answer to begin visiting the temple of the subjugating developed village, it was known to be the with, that 'He is not in Jerusalem'. empire was straight forward. Terrified house of bread, as the people were an Jerusalem means city of peace, but it was Jerusalem in order to hide its agrarian community which produced neither a peace-loving nor a peace- vulnerability pounced on Bethlehem! food, yet remained poor, as they were making city. Rather, it was a town of The innocent, poor parents of Bethlehem oppressed, exploited by those in the power and authority, a 'masked' city, lost even the flickering hope, as their power and authority and their known for its show and sham, where children were massacred! Hopes of many middlemen and did not receive their due

December 2018 03 for their hard work and labour. Yet in their people around him. In Him, people had a In Jesus' own words, in the least ones, in poverty they provided for the nation, making new vision of life, a new meaning, a new the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and the others rich through their committed and direction. Jesus showed them how small innocent condemned to prison, in those faithful work in tilling, toiling and nurturing hope and insignificant vision could grow who form the crucified community, we mother earth. In every such place where into great heights like a mustard seed, meet Jesus the liberator (cf. Matt.25:40f). commitment and faithfulness to family, village, which though small, holds in itself the In Matthew, the risen Lord comes to his community and work are celebrated, one vision of the reign of God. In Him, they disciples, a community perplexed and will find the child who has been born King found the new values of the reign of God frightened by the turn of events and of the Jews; the Messiah. becoming realized in the last and the least brings the good news of peace. He Jesus lived in Galilee among marginalised, becoming significant and important. In encompasses them with the power of insignificant and common people, where Him, they realized the process of resurrection and the community he became the voice of God for them. He hierarchical relationships transforming resurrects itself to face the challenges was teacher par excellence of the masses, into communitarian distribution of that lie ahead. The risen one assures he showed them the path of justice and responsibilities, where slaves became them that he is not just the Immanuel, peace that they were to walk. He revealed friends and coworkers. They also learned God's abiding presence (cf. Matt.2:18), as to them the will of God, he inspired them how the insignificantly minute minority he walked and journeyed with them in and filled them with the courage to resist could be change-makers like salt that Galilee, but he would be with them and protest against the evil, and to do brings new taste, a qualitative difference to always as a reassuring, resurrecting and good. He taught them the art of making a the community's life, and like the light that empowering presence, to the end of the differentiation and knowing the difference resists darkness, bringing new expressions age (Matt.28:20). between what they ought to do and what of accountability, transparency and May we be given the grace to see, they should not do. In every such a place responsibility. In every such a place where recognize and follow the Messiah, the where people are enlightened and people gather together to celebrate an Immanuel in the expressions of abiding empowered by wise teaching that will inclusive koinonia of love, equality and love, constant faith and lifelong enable people to dare to walk in the path justice, one will find the child who has been commitment in our families and of justice and righteousness, one will find born King of the Jews; the Messiah. communities, in the revelation of God's the child who has been born King of the Ultimately, Matthew answers the theme goodness, in the educative voice, Jews; the Messiah. question “Where is the child who has through healing touch, as liberating He carried also everyone's burdens been born king of the Jews? in the presence, giving new identity to our selflessly and freely invited everyone, passion narrative. The charge on the communities, and in the revelation of “Come to me, all you that are weary and cross answered the question decisively: God's self-emptying love, true justice are carrying heavy burdens, and I will “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” and peace that would make our give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and (Matt.27:37). Messiah is neither in the communities filled with the power of learn from me; for I am gentle and humble pomp and sham of the city culture, nor in resurrection, not only at Christmastide, in heart, and you will find rest for your the superficial pretentious relationships. but also on each and every day. souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden The evangelist, in a very intelligent, yet With those who long for a caress, with is light” (Matt.11:28-30). In Him, people theological and cultural critique, also those who are looked down upon, with experienced the touch of God, as he inform the readers, when Jerusalem was those who experience only dust on the walked among them, as one who brought busy celebrating the Passover, the feast road, with those with calloused hands, healing. His accompaniment gave them of liberation, the King of Jews was with those who have neither shelter nor comfort and consolation, as he journeyed hanging on the cross, outside the city, in friend: In resisting and protesting against with them, they were filled with new a place called Golgotha (Matt.27:33). The fear and threats, abuse and exclusion, strength. He cleansed them, made them Messiah is the one who is thrashed, violence and empire, in finding and walk steadily and gave them new sight. His bleeding and rejected. In his experience providing an assurance of opportunity, a presence, his voice, his touch reassured of the abandonment, in his cry, “My God, safe space, a refuge and a home, in and rejuvenated them. He released them my God why have you forsaken me”? he receiving, realizing and proclaiming faith, from their varied bondages and made gives expressions to the sorrow, pain and love, peace and hope, we join the them whole. In Him, the grace of God pathos of people who are marginalized, movement of liberation, a walk in the visited them, and they received grace excluded and eliminated. Therefore, the company of Immanuel, and celebrate upon grace. In his embrace people one who is on the cross is Jesus, the one Christmas every day! experienced sincere welcome and who delivers his people, the King of the complete social inclusion, as he sat with Jews! The cross expresses the vastness, Rev. Dr. D. Rathnakara Sadananda the sinners and excluded and ate with incalculability, and limitlessness of God's General Secretary, CSI them celebrating borderless koinonia. In love, its height, length and depth. The every such a place where people cross is also the revelation of the truth and experience liberation and wholeness; justice of God! It is in the self-of fering, self- one will find the child who has been born emptying love, and in the true love that King of the Jews; the Messiah. reveals itself in broken and shared lives, Jesus thus gave a new identity to the that we encounter the Messiah, the Christ.

04 December 2018 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, Moderator, CSI Christmas Greetings The Manger- Symbol of Simplicity and Inclusivity

The Manger is one of the most illustrious welcomes everybody. Christmas event is Any celebration, when it is turning into the symbols of the Christmas event. Each actually a call for all of us to open our expression of pride and extravaganza, manger tells us the story about the hearts and widen its horizons. Let all of us ultimately nature is af fected adversely. privacy of the Manger around 20 be able to celebrate the diversities among Excess and mindless use and abuse of centuries back became the space for the us instead of making those diversities a natural resources make imbalance in birth of the Lord of Peace. reason for creating drifts and divisions. nature. In contrary to that, the Manger gives a message of simplicity and humble The Manger was the most appropriate The Manger in Bethlehem is the perfect living. The simple living without abusing place for the one who was the reason for mix of the diversities. It was the place natural resources means that allowing peace for all the creations. This manger where God, Human beings and nature others also to live at least with basic welcomed both the uneducated and poor met each other. The Manger enunciates amenities. Let the simplicity of the one shepherds and the highly educated and the fact that magnitude of peace who was born in the Manger encourage rich Magi in a similar way, and the message revealed through Jesus Christ is not and enlighten us. that gives is not about exclusion but it is of confined to human beings alone, but it is inclusion. Jesus, who welcomed and having a wider audience; the entire I would like to exhort you to have a life provided an unprecedented inclusive creation. The mission of Jesus Christ is that accepts the diversities, caring approach which was against any kind of the establishment of peace which is nature, and giving space for others to live discrimination based on caste, class, possible through the reconciliation by choosing a simple life. I wish you a religion, race and gender, was given the amidst God, human beings and nature. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! most appropriate place- a manger- as the The Manger is the space where this place of birth. Because the Manger is not a reconciliation amidst God, human beings closed structure that doesn't allow entry of and nature was initiated. others, instead it is an open structure that

December 2018 05 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Prasada Rao, Deputy Moderator, CSI Christmas Greetings “This will be a sign to you.” St. Luke: 2:12

Dear Friends in Christ, Moon. The stars have been giving light Christmas Tree: In the advent season we to the people for thousands of years. The decorate the Christmas tree in our homes Greetings in the name of our Lord and rays of the stars cause no harm to and also in the worshipping places. Saviour Jesus Christ! I wish that this humankind. Christ is the major sign of Christmas. Christmas brings abundant blessings and Christ is ever-living like an evergreen happiness to humankind, irrespective of At the time of Christ's birth, a great star was tree. Bible has different concepts with caste and creed. Because Christ was born seen in the East in 3 B.C. People say the regard to the trees. “Joseph is a fruitful for the salvation of the entire world. name of the star is Anamica. Two more vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose stars also appeared in the sky before this in The very Christmas itself is good news to branches climb over a wall.” Gen. 49: 22. 12 B.C. The name of one of the stars was all the people. The shepherds were This prophecy was fulfilled in Christ. In Poolice Comet, which later disappeared. encouraged and led with a sign to see the book of Revelation 22: 1 – 4 there was On seeing this star, the Magi and the infant JESUS, who was in a manger (Luke: a tree on the banks of the river that giveth astrologers thought that the world is 2:12). fruits each month. This statement also going to be changed. It is a sign to set supporting that Jesus is a Kalpatharu to So many infants were born at the time of right ourselves from the evil. this world. Jesus' birth in the city of Bethlehem. To Later the second star appeared in the identify Jesus, the angel gave a sign to It is the desire of Jesus Christ that every year 7 B.C. The planets 'Bruhaspathi' shepherds to reach newborn who was human being should shine like a star to (Jupiter) and Shani (Saturn) jointly wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a provide cheerfulness and happiness to focused a great light in the sky. People manger. others. Jesus is our best example, who expected great wonders to happen in shines like a star in this world. As a There are certain symbols or signs we use this world, but nothing had happened. Christian why can't you and me? at the time of Christmas Celebrations. All The star Anamica that appeared in the these signs indicate that Christ is the only Jesus Christ is the fruit-bearing tree. By East in 3 B.C. has given a sign to us that a way for salvation. Except for Jesus, there Him and through Him we are living in this great man is going to be born for us. is no other way for humankind. Because world. We are partaking in His Holy Thereby the prophecy of Balaam - Num: Christ is the light of the world. Communion so that every one of us 24:17 was fulfilled through the star. “The should be like Jesus so that Christ is These signs give us some spiritual star shall come out of Jacob.” It formed in us. meaningful thoughts: strengthens the hope of God’s people. May the Christmas Sermons help us to Star: At the time of creation, God created Christ is dwelling like a star in the lives of become Christ-like to stand for Christ the Sun, the Moon and Stars in the Sky. His people. People will reconcile through and to make us best models to the world Stars are very far from the Sun and the His life and light and God expects every to show Christ through our lives. Moon. They are self-illuminating. They Christian to be a star in this world. are not dependent on the Sun and the God bless you all!

06 December 2018 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

Adv. C. Robert Bruce, Treasurer, CSI Christmas Greetings Do Not Be Afraid

Zechariah, confronted by an angel of the pain will not be so discomforting. To be LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good Lord, is afraid. The angel brings good told that there is nothing to fear doesn't understanding has all those who practice news: Elizabeth, his wife, will bear a son ring true in light of past circumstances it" (Ps. 111:10). Elsewhere the psalmist whose name shall be John. They will when the lack of fear has left someone could write The Lord is my light and my receive great joy and gladness. John will vulnerable and often perplexed. To be salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is be filled with the Holy Spirit, "to make afraid in that sense is to retain some the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I ready for the Lord a people prepared" (v. semblance of self-control and protection be afraid?" (Ps. 27:1). 17). And after that we see the biblical from a real or imaginary af fliction. God will deliver those who trust in the passage which says; The angel said to her, Isaiah foresees the time when God will be Lord. What would happen if you were to "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found Israel's protection:" You are my servant, I give Gabriel's gift to those about you, favour with God.” (Luke 1: 30). Then, we have chosen you and not cast you off'; "Do not be afraid"? Well, for one thing, see the encounter of the angel with fear not, for I am with you, be not you would see to it that someone afraid shepherds; The angel said to them dismayed, for I am your God; I will of being lonely was embraced with God's (Shepherds), "Do not be afraid. I bring strengthen you, I will help you, I will love and care. Another would be that you you good news that will cause great joy uphold you with my victorious right would become a messenger of great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2: 10). hand" (Isa. 41:9-10). Psalm 111 reminds and gladness. You could tell those afraid People can be afraid of various reasons. us that dependence on God is better than to pray that God has once and for all The thought of becoming lonely can self-control: God's righteousness answered our prayers in the gift of the make people be afraid. The possibility of endures for- ever. "The Lord is gracious Christ child. Then to those in need of self- getting ill, losing the job, the diminishing and merciful. He provides food for those control and protection, you would affinity of spouses, the future of children, who fear him.... He has shown his people become a living testimony of what it and so on and so forth. Here Zechariah the power of his works, in giving them the means to trust in the Lord. was frightened when Gabriel appeared. heritage of the nations. The works of his Do not be afraid! Fear has a way of mobilizing the body's hands are faithful and just; all his defence mechanism so that anticipated precepts are trustworthy. The fear of the Merry Christmas!.

December 2018 07 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas The Spiralling Periphery God Leads to Right Place

When the Sri Lankan civil war intensified, my I asked some of my diocesan members, "How are wife Thaya was working for a non- the preparations for the Christmas". They all government organisation. The NGO decided answered, “What Christmas, all our plans are gone with the flood". it was too unsafe to work in the north, and This year in Kerala, Christmas will be against all recommended they all withdraw. Nurses who our plans. The first family( Joseph and Mary), heard this asked Thaya to stay to support who experienced Christmas also went through them caring for wounded and disabled the same experience. (Mt. 2:13.) of unplanned civilians. She stayed to face the moves. For them, it was only an unexpected thing but for God, it was never an accident. So, overwhelming human tragedy brought by the brutal end of the Christmas is realizing God's expectations in our unexpected war. experience. Supported by some JDCSI pastors, Thaya began visiting God's promise, obey it, He will fulfil it. V.14., Mt.1:22, Micha 5:7. Bethlehem Joseph saw three dreams on three occasions. He did suffering and traumatised civilians in devastated villages and not argue against God's will but obeyed. To travel to Bethlehem hospital. A dream of our people's need spoke to her heart, and with a pregnant wife was very difficult task. But they obeyed. By with our diocese's support, the Centre for Holistic Healing doing so, they were fulfilling God's promise given through began with Thaya as its first Director. Holistic healing responded Micha.5:7. Many times we may be forced by different reasons to move from our comfort zones to unknown situations, Christmas to the needs of the whole person - physical, spiritual, mental, proves God's promise that, He is Immanuel ( mt.1:23 God with and emotional. Soon CHH began new programs– a mobile us), in all uncertain moves in our lives. The flood, and shifting of medical clinic visited isolated villages, a counselling course their comfortable homes and situations, once assures that God trained health and welfare workers, new daycare centres were is Immanuel at all times. opened for pre-school children, and vocational training for God's provision. 2:13-14. Egypt. From Bethlehem, Joseph and May had to move to Egypt, an unknown country, as per the women. The circle of healing has spun out further and further as dream was given by God. When God calls he will lead to the the needs of our suffering people became known. right place, may be uncertain for man, but certain for God. So St. Matthew established this pattern for the ministry of Christ's follow without questioning. The truth is, that when God leads us he will lead to the correct place and he will provide for the living. people in the opening chapter of his gospel. Matthew declares Uncertain displacement, like the people who lost everything Jesus' birth means 'God with us'. This is the still centre point of and have to move to very uncertain places, but Christmas once Matthew's story that immediately moves to where the brutal again gives us that confidence, the way may not be sure, future reign of King Herod brought violence and terror. Herod feared may be uncertain, but God knows the end from the beginning of our journey, and he will provide beforehand for our future. any threat to his power, and he would do whatever it took to God's purpose. Or plan. V.16, Hosea.11:1. Nazareth preserve his wealth and power. He attempted to trick the wise From Egypt, they got the news that Herod, the root cause of all men, to kill the children two-years and younger born around the problem of shifting, died. Again in the dream, God directed Bethlehem, then handed on his brutal reign to his ruthless son. them to Nazareth. That became his town and got the name Yet at every turn, God disrupts the strategies of the violent rulers Nazarene. God worked through his common senses also. God used the enslaved land of the forefathers, as the protected land and leads the infant Jesus in an ever spiralling freedom journey for the descendants. The adjective Nazarene is the power of to places of life and hope. Jesus name. But God was in control of everything. At Christmas, may you know the still centre point of Christ's birth So, the above three moves in relation to Christmas can be said like these. Move to Bethlehem, the place of promise, to Egypt in our world, and the presence of God journeying with us to new the place of provision and protection and to Nazareth the place possibilities and new life as we are called to the spiralling of power. Hence, through these unexpected Christmas situations, periphery of our world in its suffering? God teaches us three basic principles of life. When God leads, he leads us to the safest and right place. For eg. Wisemen, Joseph and Mary. We do not know the way we will reach, but he knows it Bishop Daniel S. Thiagarajah better, even from the beginning. The Christian life is not trouble-free. Like, Joseph, wise men, Bishop, CSI Jaffna Diocese innocent children. However, God always wins the battle. Herod died, but God still lives. God is in control. He plans everything for our lives, even through unexpected things happens in lives. We have to obey, follow and trust him. Because God is always Immanuel.

Rt. Rev. K. G. Daniel Bishop, CSI East Kerala Diocese

08 December 2018 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas - the root Chimes of Christmas of Redemption fill the air yet again… But when the set time had fully come, God We encounter the birth of the child in a sent his Son, born of a woman, born under context where the nation is preparing for a the law, to redeem those under the law, that general election. we might receive adoption to sonship. One of the tacit realities we realise around us Galatians 4:4-5 is the use of religious fundamentalism as a political strategy to polarise people. This Christmas reminds us many things and one of affirms the “we” and the “they” and in that the very important reminders is redemption. hate game the gospel becomes a very Not just the redemption from the sin but important panacea. The birth of the babe of Bethlehem has redemption from the law which is the foothold of sin. Jesus “Fear Not” as the central message. The oneness we sought in Christ came into this world and redeemed those under the law facing the natural calamities and the flood in Kerala was soon that we might receive adoption to sonship, St. Paul says. He seen eroding away into an affirmation of diversities and reimagines the whole event of Jesus Christ's arrival into this differences. Herein the God with us- Immanuel- dimension of world to create a relationship with God through His son Jesus the incarnation is to be seen as the bridge builder so that the Christ. Law is not always in favour of building bridges, its always "we" and the "they" could become "us". Seeking this oneness building blocks by judging and punishing on the basis of one's around Godhead urges us to critically relook at the stagnation of action. Our Lord transcended law and embraced human being the church union movements, at the lethargy in mission and by living with them. The relationship Jesus began voyaged ecumenical initiatives and the efforts to celebrate plurality and beyond Bethlehem and Jerusalem and reached the other corner multiplicity of cultures. of the world, every part of the globe. As we move forward with Another salient feature of the present day that erodes our the love of our God we always ought to carry this relationship of credibility to be the champions of the “Us” movements is the love which transcended the norms and laws which is scandals the church is being confronted with. It comes from segregating one another, which is judging one another and within and without. It permeates into all levels of hierarchy. It which is discriminating one another. This Christmas will extends into all forms of accusations. Instead of the "Us" we continue to empower us to connect with everyone, to build a today reflect a very divided and fragmented body. The relationship in Christ to help to redeem those under the Immanuel of Christmas has to be properly comprehended. This bondage of the law. The law which was based on the ten is not a call to be uncritical of the unethical practices if any. But commandments of our God became bondage of our people. this is a call to acknowledge our failures and shortcomings and Our blessings may convert into a curse if we are not living to look at ways of truly being the Us. sensibly and maintain our relationship with our Lord deeply. The The gospel mandate in the Word becoming flesh has the God-given law is extended by human beings and used to make manger as a very important and powerful symbol. The Birth of people slaves and the result is that God challenged the law the Saviour in the manger is a sign of the simplicity that should through His son Jesus Christ, the embodiment of love. mark the nature of the Church. Theologically it is affirmed that I thank God for His abundant grace to share the Christmas the manger also had the shadow of the cross. Therefore greetings to my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ spread acknowledging the challenges and costs of discipleship around Church of South India once again this year. May the joy following the babe of the manger also means following the of Christmas and the peace of God fill each and every one of you. lifestyle of the man the babe grew to be. The Manger of humility I sincerely wish and pray along with all our congregations here in and accessibility should shape the Christian nature so that we Tirunelveli; Happy Christmas! could be the champions of the "Us" with whom God Is. A little child was busy preparing the nativity scene. She collected Rt. Rev. Dr. J. J. Christdoss hay to make the manger and then put the little Jesus in. Evening Bishop, CSI Tirunelveli Diocese time when everyone went back to their own spaces she realised that the babe was still in the manger. She went down took the babe and kept the image of the babe near her bed. Her mother saw this and asked her what she was doing and she had a profound answer- Unless the Babe of the manger Remains With Me Christmas is incomplete. The manger can do without him but I cannot. Rt. Rev. A. Dharmaraj Rasalam Bishop, CSI South Kerala Diocese

December 2018 09 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Green Christmas Look to Jesus and Rejoice

This passage describes the experience of the Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, W i s e M e n f r o m t h e E a s t . We are now in the Season of Advent. This is a It brought them 'Great Joy' that was time when we begin to look with anticipation immeasurable, countless, limitless. The Magi toward the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. Of teach us how to get exceeding joy not only in course, this has already happened and to our celebration of Christmas but throughout merely commemorate the fact is not a help to our lives. our Christian virtue or service to God and His The wisdom of the wise men brings this Joy with Kingdom. But we don't merely do anything. '3 Ws'. To remember it easily, we can remember We do this with our eyes wide open, it as ‘www.joy.com’! For the wise men of the East, understanding that Jesus has already accomplished this work God planned that they should know or find out the birth of the Saviour using their wisdom, research and experience. By this we that we remember. But it is good for us to remember, to recover know God's ways are diff erent for each other, we should accept it and a childlike expectation of Christmas. We long for the day, though glorify God through our life and witness, and we must make use of we have experienced it many times before. We enjoy the season, the wisdom and talents to know God's will in our life. the greenery, the decorations, and varieties of sweets, cookies 1. The first 'W' stands for 'Worship': The God-given wisdom led and delicacies. the wise men to worship or surrender and commit them and These are all wonderful and to be enjoyed. But most of all we their valuable gifts to God. The God-given wisdom helped the look forward to the presents. We know that there will be many wise men to know the birth of the great child, Saviour of the and we desire to open them up and see what new treasures we world. But the Worldly Knowledge / the reasoning power have found. This is the kind of anticipation that we should guided the wise men to think that the kingly Baby Jesus must be imagine and cultivate as we look forward to the gift of Christ, of born in a Palace in a King's family. We know that the worldly Messiah, of the Saviour, of Jesus Christ. God gave us Jesus and Knowledge without commitment creates many problems in we should open Him, if you will, with eager expectation, every society. The realization of depending upon God's wisdom and Christmas Day. guidance of the scriptures led them to continue in the right path, The Advent season is for looking forward with eager to find out the Saviour of the world. So, they fell down – as the mark of their commitment/ surrender to Christ. God expects our anticipation. We know that it already happened. We have the full surrender through our Worship. strength and stamina to wait for Christmas because we know it will come. So, we wait and do not grow weary. We wait on the 2. Second “W” stands for 'WARNING': Nobody likes advice, Son and know that He will set all to the right when He comes. warning, guidance in our days. The warning came to the wise men in the form of “a dream”. Their experience, failure by And what is greater still, He has come. And He has set all things depending upon their own knowledge, had moulded them to to right. But we do not see them all set right, yet. Well, He is still accept the warning even by a 'Dream'. Our worship should coming. He is still working the works of God. So, we must use always prepare us to accept God's will/warnings/challenges of this season to remember what has happened and to continue to this world in whatever form it comes. Our Christian Worship and look forward to Christmas with eager anticipation of the our way of life should prepare us to accept the challenges and continuing establishment of the rule of Christ. Every Christmas warnings in/ whatever form it comes, wherever it comes from solidifies His rule and the joy to the world because of it. whichever form it might be. We forget the glad tidings of the Christmas story and only look 3. The 3rd 'W' stands for "Way Bac k"/"Way Alternate": Obedience for the hope of the Second Coming and the Resurrection. Of to God's warning leads us in a safe way. 'Way out' requires course, there will be greater joy when Jesus comes again in the ' O b e d i e n c e' , ' H u m i l i t y ' , ' A c c e p t a n c e' of G o d 's final triumph. There is a total and complete victory over death in guidance/warning. The wise men took the way back guided by the resurrection. But we must not forget that the light has God in a dream. It made the way safe for the life of Jesus. It may already dawned. We are standing in that light now and that light seem difficult to take a different/alternate way rather than the is Jesus Christ, the light of men. When we see Jesus shining popular or usual way. But it is always safe for us and life of brightly, the darkness beyond Him and the darkness behind us many/life of the Church, Society. It helps to live a life for the becomes obscured by His glory. We do not forget the darkness cause of Christ. Let this “Advent Season” / “Christmas Season” but we take His light into the very corners of the earth. We work, prepare us closer to God and His will in all our celebrations and make this Christmas 'A Meaningful Christmas". and pray and live to His glory so that Jesus shines brighter and brighter until a full day until all the shadows are chased away in To Worship – the surrender of the self and commitment the resplendent glory that is Christ, the Saviour of the World. Warning – ready to accept any challenge/guidance The light has dawned. Rejoice, good Christian men for Jesus Way Alternative – Complete Obedience for the sake of Christ Christ is born. and His plans. Let us look to Christ and rejoice. When we have not rejoiced in God Bless us all & use us His instrument in the New Year to His goodness and His glory, it is needful for us to confess our come. Amen. lack of joy and thankfulness so that He would restore to us the joy of our salvation. Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph Rt. Rev. Ravikumar J. Niranjan Bishop, CSI Madurai- Ramnadu Diocese Bishop, CSI Karnataka Northern Diocese

10 December 2018 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Are we Ready to Of fer Ourselves? “Christmas " Celebrating the Grace of the Truth Greetings to you in the blessed name of our "The word became flesh and lived among us, Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! ...... full of grace and truth." John 1:14. "She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him Introduction: The eternal word, a powerful in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger - word, which creates everything, took the form of a human being. But God chose the foolish there was no room for them to stay in the things of the world to shame the wise; God inn." St. Luke 2:7 chose the weak things of the world to shame We read here that baby Jesus was born in a the strong (I Cor 1:27). manger. The question which comes to my God's son embraced the weakness of flesh to mind is 'why was Jesus born in a manger?’ give power to human beings to be his children. Why didn't he get a house for his birth? Of course, Joseph and The eternal word chose to dwell among us. His mighty presence Mary had a house at Nazareth. But they had to leave Nazareth at preferred to live among us. It gives the glory of great hope to human beings. the time of Jesus' birth. We know that Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to register their names. But Bethlehem was not a Christmas is nothing but experiencing the celebration of the grace and truth which is revealed through Jesus Christ. This place alien to them. It was their own place: their native place. mystery is disclosed in human history. By this word God created Then why didn't they even get a single house in Bethlehem? Was the world, inspired the prophets, and moulded the history of it God's plan that Jesus should be born in a manger? both Gentiles and Jews. No, Never. We don't see any prophecy in the Bible that says The word referred to as the “Divine Agent” through whom the Jesus would be born in a manger. The Prophets only say that universe was created, sustained and governed became flesh( Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Then why was Jesus born in a Incarnation). This is one of the simplest but most profound phrases in the Bible. It is also the very heart of the Christian faith. manger? For instance, there was a small village in Andhra Pradesh. One old This is a common thing that happens in our society also. lady who had been suffering from a Chronic disease and was Everybody in a family may not be in good positions. We look bedridden for several years. She was unable even to get up and with respect at those who are above our status. We consider it a walk alone. She needed someone to help her. great privilege to be associated with such well to do persons. On the Christmas Eve in the midnight when she was sleeping But at the same time, we just ignore those who are below she heard the Telugu Christmas song "Rare Mana Yesu Swamini Chuthamu Korkelura" (Meaning of the song: Come to see Our ourselves. We feel ashamed to say that they are our relatives. Jesus the Lord with a passion). She opened her eyes and saw a This is what happened to Jesus as well. bright light shining in her house. Then she suddenly stood up He came to his own, but his own people did not receive him. and tried to open the door to welcome Jesus Christ into her Because Jesus' parents were just ordinary people, no relatives house with great enthusiasm. The powerful chorus came forward to offer them their homes. So, Jesus was born in a strengthened and enlightened her and gave her the strength to stand. By God's grace, she was healed from her sickness and manger; let us look into ourselves. Are we still allowing Jesus to weakness. She started walking with the help of a stick. be born in a manger? When a needy child is ignored, remember, The Christmas experience gives the light and life to the weak. we are sending Jesus again to the manger. She became a witness for Christ like the shepherds, the Angels In Matthew 25: 40, we read Jesus saying, "whatever you did for and the Wise men. one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." How A) When we feel rejected by the world, i.e. the family & friends or are our family relationships? Do we wish to send Jesus again to when we feel alone or lonely, we turn to the baby of Bethlehem that manger? Another Christmas time has come reminding us who is our Emmanuel”. He is our Companion, the Closest Friend again the manger in Bethlehem. At the first Christmas, God gave and Relative. us his greatest gift, his only begotten son. Are we ready to give B) Whenever we face a problem like David facing Goliath, turn to the Lord with the problem for the solution and God's help. ourselves to others, to accept those who come to our own? C) Whenever we are afraid of some situation turn to the living Lord who is the Emmanuel, the Almighty who dwells among us Yours in Christ, to be our shield, redeemer and sustainer. Rt. Rev. B. N. Fenn Let us experience the wonders of this Christmas season, renew Bishop, CSI Cochin Diocese our faith in our saviour Who is our Emmanuel. Friends, Let God be with us in every situation. Let us not forget to turn to Him. He will help us, guard us and lead us… I wish you all a very happy Christmas and Blessed New Year 2019. With Blessings Rt. Rev. Dr. E. Pushpalalitha Bishop, CSI Nandyal Diocese.

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Christmas: a New Dawn The Inn-Significant Birth (Micah 5)

St. Luke very beautifully expresses Gospel Introduction: The Advent season reminds us Message for A New Dawn for the human race the call for repentance as a way of – "For Unto You, A Saviour Is Born”. Until preparation for the arrival of our Lord and Christ's birth, there was no Calendar, but only Saviour Jesus Christ. Herod and the whole of calculations based on the full moon and new Jerusalem were threatened by the birth of the moon. There started Christ's Era, A.D. “Anno Messiah. God envisages the world free from Domini,” which is a Latin phrase meaning “in oppression and exploitation through the the year of our Lord,” referring to the year of birth of Jesus, and Herod engages in crushing God's vision by plotting Jesus' death. It is this Christ's birth. The period up to Christ's birth is tussle which makes the birth of Christ referred to as B.C., Before Christ. Therefore, significant. However, this significance has Christ's birth is a turning point for the whole creation. gradually eroded and has been replaced by consumerism. Census refers to the courting of the human race to be entered Micah reminds and reiterates the 'Inn-Significant' birth/beginning into chapters of history. To prove that Christ's birth is history, of the future in insignificant places and persons such as Mary, the first census was held at the time of Caesar Augustus, the Shepherds, Inn and Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). emperor of Rome and Quirinius, the governor of Syria. It was Proclaiming Birth: The Magi's proclaim the birth of Jesus to the planning of Lord Almighty indeed before the creation of the Herod and af firms God's promise of life and life in abundance, whole universe. The Old Testament shows how the Lord led the being fulfilled in Jesus (Mathew 2:6). The message about the people he has chosen. He guided them through the prophets birth of Messiah comes to them as a relief from all exploitation and had chosen Kings to rule over them. A state of the situation i.e. a 're-life'/ 'new-life'. so occurred that people see dusk before them and they were The birth of Christ proclaims protection and peace to the people expecting for a King who delivers them from their bondage and exiled. Micah affirms the divine power of the shepherd who brings again the dawn. Therefore, the Lord has chosen this time dares to stand against the demonic powers to shepherd the as a perfect time to bring dawn for His creation. flock. The birth proclaims the beginning of a new future. Thirdly, In the city of David "A Saviour" was born who brings light to the birth of Christ proclaims God's mercy, which is not an act of World. He is Christ the Lord, the ruler, the sovereign, the Mighty charity, but an act of justice and compassion. God, the Everlasting Father. This news was brought to the Protesting Birth: From the manger to the cross, Jesus shepherds in the field by an Angel. As this was great news when announced the ultimate subversion of power. Bethlehem, a the news was pronounced by this Angel, suddenly there house of bread, was insignificant in every aspect in comparison appeared Angels in multitude and sang a song of praise. to the Assyrians, the warriors. Affirming the coming of the ruler The following is an incident happened for a poor Christian man from Bethlehem countering the imperial powers is the in Mangalore. As he lost his job and wife unable to work due to subversion of powers and a protest against the mega-culture that God initiates in the history of Israel. sickness, their family situation was so pathetic. The man's search for jobs were in vain. On the eve of Christmas when he The birth of Jesus is surrounded with the stories of vulnerable was leaving his house, his wife and children reminded him of communities. It was God's protest against the human glory. Christmas. Till evening he searched for a job but of no use. He God's glory entered human life, not in a palace but in a stable, was so depressed and thought of committing suicide and went not in safety, but in vulnerability, not in mighty Jerusalem, but in insignificant Bethlehem, not as a powerful Superman, but as a to the seashore. As he was impatient and depressed walking helpless, threatened and refugee child. here and there, a lady observed this man. She came to him and inquired him why he is so disturbed. With a bit of hesitation, he Prophetic Birth: When the biblical society was deep-rooted in told the story. The lady comforted him and gave him some the sins of division, discrimination, immorality, idolatry, money and told him that “Your wife and children are waiting for infidelity, injustice, power abuse, religious fundamentalism, and bureaucracy, the prophets have announced the birth of the you; go and attend the Christmas Mass with your family, God will Messiah and have reminded the transformation that God deliver you from all your sorrows.” He attended the Christmas initiated in Egypt. Service with his family. After a few days, he reached the place of address that the lady gave. He noticed the name of the house – According to Walter Brueggemann, the ministry of prophets is "Grace Home". An Elderly woman in that house told him that twofold: criticizing and energizing. The prophets criticized the Israelites for succumbing to the worldly powers. On the other hand, the the lady is no more. She was suffering from Cancer and her days prophets strengthened the victims of violation/violence and instilled were counted. So she created a Trust and converted her house hope of life in all its fullness and dignity. into stay home for the Sick and peacefully breathed her last. This lady became a channel of God's grace in bringing light in the The birth of Jesus, the New King and the fall of Herod's empire lives of depressed. As we celebrate Christmas and experience was told on the face to Herod. This aggravated his anger and resulted in the killing of newborn babies. Prophets prepared the dawn in our life, let us be the channels of light! people for life at the face of death, for freedom at the face of slavery, and for a new heaven and earth. Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj Conclusion: As we prepare for the coming of the Lord, may the Bishop, CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese child in the Inn reminds us the closed doors that are needed to be opened, the lament of the mothers and fathers that craves for comfort and consolation, the parents running with the child to find space for shelter as refugees so that our hearts be opened. Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Samuel. Bishop, CSI Karnataka Central Diocese December 2018 13 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas is Crossing Borders Get Rid of Idols

We are at the threshold of yet another “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be Christmas season. Christmas is the festival afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of which reminds us of surpassing the great joy which will be to all people. For there is boundaries. The Christmas event diluted the born to you this day in the city of David a borders of the divisions. It brought the saviour, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). poorest of the poor people, the shepherds to Christmas is a season the earth cherishing the the presence of God. Crossing the borders of memories of the supreme sweet moments it countries, the Magi came to visit the baby experienced when its creator descended from Jesus. It made the division between the earth and the heavens heaven and also a time of joy to its inhabitants who hear His disappear, and the creator became the creation. diminishing voice and opens the door (Rev.3:20). He was at the beginning borders and crossing the borders are the basics of Christmas. with God. By whom all things were made that Almighty has Christmas is a time for us to cross the borders, to share the love come down to the humble state. The greatness of the Most High of Christ in various forms because Christ crossed the borders to is humbleness. God reveals in humbleness. Whoever desires to make us experience the love of the Heavenly Father. The present become great among you, let him be your servant. Whoever Indian scenario is scary with the deliberate efforts by sectarian desires to become first among you, let him be your slave. This is groups to create drifts and divisions, which many a time lead to the way of God. This is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This is the violence and bloodshed. The Dalits, minorities, and other inversion of all worldly and political wisdom. A humble man and marginalised communities are in the receiving end of these woman had gone up from Nazareth to Bethlehem. And she deliberate divisions and drifts created in the country. We hear brought forth her firstborn Son and laid Him in a manger; the cries from many parts of the country as they heard from because there was no room for them in the inn. Ramah during the Christmas event. A baby who escaped from The first man, by disobedience, was driven out of the Garden of that genocide, Jesus Christ, was always focusing on peace, Eden and lost fellowship with God. Therefore all of humanity reconciliation and above all loving each other. He crossed the stands sinful before a Holy God as they are lost became border and reached out his hands to the unreached, the perishing creature. But each human being is of immense and vulnerable, the fragile, the marginalised and oppressed. equal importance to God, regardless of gender, caste, colour or social status. Love longs to give. That God gave us His Son is our Christ is the 'Prince of Peace' to humanity. Let us establish peace, full assurance that God loves us. He is the Saviour of the world, not only during the Christmas season but for all the and for all but he is also a personal saviour to those who accept the the communities. Let us work for peace and love in the salvation which he offers. He preached, “the Kingdom of Heaven communities so that they all can experience the Christ event in is at hand”. Forgiveness of Sin, Salvation and Eternal Life, are the their lives and understand the meaning of the birth of Christ in blessings that have been made through Christmas. Is there its fuller sense. some unconfessed sin in our life? Is there some person I have Christmas becomes a celebration when happiness rules over hurt, but I have not apologized? Is there some person in my life fear & sorrow. So, let us become instruments in making this whom I have not forgiven? Is there any idol that I have adopted Christmas a celebration to the communities that are oppressed. into my life in the place of God? Do I belong to the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, the Christmas is meaningful otherwise it will be Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year. confined to a mere season's celebration meal. We are asked to Rt. Rev. Reuben Mark be His witnesses. As His witnesses, we have the opportunity and responsibility to tell others what we have experienced in our life Bishop, CSI Karimnagar Diocese with Jesus. Let the Church preach the Gospel, and then only it can be the true Church, the great visible body, the Body of Christ. Let us proclaim loudly Joy to the world the Lord is come; let earth receive her king!. Let us thank God for this Happy occasion of Christmas and sing that sweet, sweet salvation and let the people know about Jesus Christ. Rt. Rev. Dr Royce M. Victor, Bishop, CSI Malabar Diocese

14 December 2018 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Jesus Emptying Himself Christmas: The Assurance of Fullness of Life to All The Christmas festivity is always an occasion Christmas is a joyous occasion where the love for joyful celebration as well as serious of family and friends surround us. It's a special evaluation of ourselves. It is a joyful season spent in their warm circles, sharing celebration of the infusion of the divinity into gifts of love, joy and peace which are the this world. This has lifted up humanity to the outcome of Christ's birth in this world. He was new level of dignity and hope. The human capacity for doing good, taking concern of born at a time when people were awaiting the neighbourly needs, to love and to heal has messiah in total despair and hopelessness. reached a higher level due to the lived They were groping in darkness for there was example of our Lord Jesus. As the apostle Paul states in the letter no light. when Jesus was born, the atmosphere was hostile and to Philippians, “emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, inhospitable. Joseph and Mary had to flee with the baby Jesus to being born in human likeness” Egypt to save their child. Today, scores of people are fleeing to The term “human likeness” is what good news is for us. The Lord, save their lives from tyranny, war, human rights violation, when he assumed the human likeness, did not assume the disasters, oppression and violence in the name of caste, gender likeness of Caesars or Herods. Our Lord Jesus descended to the and ethnicity. They try to escape from one life-threatening depths of humanity and assumed the likeness of those who are situation and land up in another similar situation where they are crushed under the ages of oppression and exploitation. considered refugees and are seen as criminals and outlawed. Jesus who experienced the pathos of a refugee assures light and Jesus was a Galilean. Galilee was a place of insurrection and revolution. The people were on a constant uprising against the life by his continued dwelling among us. For, incarnation is not a Roman occupying force. The empire retaliated by sacking many onetime event but a life time experience. During Christmas it is towns of Galilee and sending the populace into slavery. Galilee our duty to remember all who are denied of their rights, joy of a was always a tumultuous place and the caption in Isaiah 9:2, family and friends, and celebrate life. “…those who lived in a land of deep darkness…” effectively summarized the plight of the Galileans. Into that darkness and One of the powerful messages by the Angel at the birth of Jesus muddle descended the Son of Man taking the human likeness of Christ was “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1: 37). a Galilean. The God of impossibilities will turn the events to bring peace and harmony, joy and felicity for he is the God of justice. Isaiah's The human likeness of our Lord Jesus is the likeness of a slave vision of righteous reign of God (Isaiah 11) is the ultimate and an exploited labourer in a Roman slavery system who have marker of the messianic age. When the spirit of the Lord rests none to speak for her/him or to redeem. Death is the only way to escape from the present day suffering. Contextually, we can upon a shoot from the stump of Jesse, with the spirit of wisdom speak of the human likeness of an exploited Dalit who is and understanding, counsel and might, he will judge with imprisoned in the system through religion, caste, class and equity. It's not only the wolf and the lamb living together but all politics. More specifically, we can think of the human likeness of the banished and dispersed will be gathered together. This the Mathamma in northern regions of the CSI Madras Diocese. 'eschaton' challenges us to capture the vision of God and enact The Mathamma are Dalit women who were dedicated to the the future in the present. So, the Christmas is always a goddess due to the sickness they suffered during childhood. prominent reminder to be the light of hope in our times. May After recovering from the illness, the girl children have deemed this Christmas enable us to lead people to the fullness of life that the property of the goddess and literally any male from the was showcased in Manger, perfected on the Cross and assured dominant caste may exploit them. The Diocese has stepped into the lives of the Mathamma which were sunk into the depths of in Resurrection. On behalf of Medak Diocese and my family I darkness. Emancipating the Mathamma is one among the Wish you all Blessed Christmas and a prosperous new Year-2109 primary mission of the Department of Women's Concerns.

As we celebrate the Christmas this year, let us search for the Rt. Rev. Dr. A. C. Solomon Raj likeness of our Lord Jesus in the Least, Lost and the Last who Bishop, Medak Diocese have been robbed of their human dignity. Bringing light into their lives may become our cherished memories of celebrations for this year. May God Bless you. Merry Christmas.

Rt. Rev. Dr. J. George Stephen Bishop, CSI Madras Diocese.

December 2018 15 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas The Meaning of Christmas The Star in the East

What is Christmas?: Christ becoming what we Over the years, the spirit of Christmas had are (human) to make us what He (His overcome several changes and regrettably Children) is Christmas. God becoming poor the real meaning of the celebration is to make the poor human rich is Christmas, 2nd annulled. It is like a gift that a husband Corinthians 8:9 Apostle Paul says, “For you desired to give to his wife. He gave a beautiful know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that jewel box that shines in the darkness for her though He was rich, yet for your sakes, He birthday. They waited for the night to come became poor, that you through His poverty but the box did not emit any light. The man thought that he was cheated, but his wife might become rich,'' noticed the writing on the box, “If you keep Grace: God's riches at Christ's mercy. God's unmerited favour for me all day long in the sunlight, I will shine for you all night long the undeserving deprived sinners. in the darkness”. When she followed the instruction, the box He was rich: of course, He was rich for heaven, earth with all its emitted light all night long in the darkness. When we allow fullness belongs to Him. Gold is His, Silver is His. But in this place, God’s light into our hearts, we will shine for God. the poverty does not refer to His material richness, but His The narration about the Christmas Star (Matthew 2) inspires me status with the other two persons of the eternal Godhead. His a lot. The Star of Bethlehem and the persons connected with it co-eternity, co-equality with Father and the Holy Spirit. The play a significant role in the celebration of Christmas. same power, glory and ousios of the Father and the Holy Spirit. 'The Magi Experienced the Phase of Self Perception': St. He became poor: It refers to His kenosis experience, Emptying Matthew was keen on mentioning the visit of the Magi. The His eternity, equality, power and glory in heaven and the Magi were court astronomers who were consulted by the rulers ceaseless worship and service of the angelic hosts Isa 6: Rev: 4) of the day for guidance in affairs of the state. They were believed Becoming human, being born in a manger, becoming a to be from one of the prestigious school of Magi that might have suffering, bleeding and dying servant on the cross is His poverty. descended from the Babylonian Magi of Daniel’s day. They might have had a very strong influence of Daniel’s teaching who Our poverty: Not material, but spiritual coming short of God's was put in charge of the Magi several hundred years before the glory. All have sinned and come short of the Glory. The rightful birth of Jesus. due of death. The wages of sin is death and eternal The Magi played the significant role because of their willingness condemnation in hell. to find the reason, meaning and purpose in life. It was a Though his poverty might become rich. In our sin we lost the commitment and a strong feeling towards the truth that they Children-ship, estranged from God's presence bear the had attained through their reading and research work that punishment of death and eternal separation from God. Christ incidentally led them to realize that the King of the Jews who coming, Christmas change this fate and plight. “For the wages of was born in Bethlehem is the King of the Universe as foretold. sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Unfortunately, the message of Christmas has very less effect in Lord.'' In His suffering and death brought full, perfect, sufficient our hearts today because the meaning and purpose of God in once and for all, and for all the people all the time as John our lives are alienated. declares. "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the 'The Magi Experienced the Face of God’s Intervention': Mary, while right to become Children of God, to those who believe in His got conceived was earlier disturbed though she willingly accepted name, 1:12, and again for God so love the world that He gave His God’s will. Joseph was disturbed, though he reluctantly accepted only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not Mary. Shepherds were disturbed, but they were terrified by the perish but have everlasting life (3:16.) presence of the angel. But what is more interesting is the way God used the Magi to disturb King Herod for many reasons. The star Yes, another Christmas as before. Do you allow it to go as usual disturbed Magi that in spite of a dangerous nothing could stop or you want to become rich through Christ's poverty? Let us them. Their realization brought forth God’s intervention through know the meaning and significance of Christmas and the appearance of the star. (Matthew 2:2b). This intervention in the appropriate it a blessing to your self and celebrate with joy. life of the Magi opened their eyes to lead them to their destiny. I Yours in His Service. wonder, how many events do we have to testify on the intervention of God in our life! Rt. Rev. Dr. S E C Devasahayam 'The Magi Experienced the Phase of Absolute Alteration": After Bishop, CSI Thoothukudi- Nazareth Diocese. meeting King Herod, the Magi were warned by God to return to their home through another route. Whoever confronts Jesus, experiences the phase of absolute alteration in their lives. The Magi understood the mystery of Christmas as they experienced God’s intervention through their perception. As we fail to go through the phase of self-perception, it denies God’s intervention and negates an absolute alteration in our lives. I pray and wish you a meaningful Christmas which will help us to shine for God by allowing God’s light of peace and happiness to pass in and through us. Rt. Rev. Oommen George Bishop, Kollam Kotarakara Diocese

16 December 2018 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Real Joy with Christmas Christmas for Downtrodden

Scriptures: Matt. 2:1-15 For those of us who live in the security and comfort of our privileges, it is sometimes Introduction: The Magi, wise men, in difficult to realize that a large percentage of Matthew Ch.2 wanted to honour and worship people today live under pathetic conditions Him with gifts; From the attitudes of these of poverty and tyranny. Even in our society, wise men and the events that surrounded we find the same hopelessness among those their journey, we perceive how we can raise tormented with mental illness and our level of joy at Christmas. particularly among the emotionally sick who I. What do you seek?: The magi in show us how to increase our make up a large percentage of our home-less. level of joy at Christmas by looking for the right thing. What was We find the same hopelessness in prisons and among teenage it they were looking for? Verse 2 tells us. They approached to gangs in cities. We also find it in war-torn countries all over the adore Him." They were seeking for Jesus. Christmas for them world. We, the "civilized" modern people, often are no better was an opportunity to seek Jesus and worship Him. This is what than the cruellest people of biblical times. we require to be looking for and expecting this Christmas - an The poor shepherds in the Christmas event are a symbol of experience of worship. those most open to the divine child in Bethlehem. They needed hope in a God who cared. They were naive enough to listen to an II. Where do you look?: We observe from the magi that there are angel's words and take them seriously. In addition, these wrong and right places to look for Christmas. They started by shepherds were awake, watching, alert, and open. When they looking in the wrong place, the palace of Herod the Great. are informed by the angel, they immediately set out to find the We, too, attempt to look for joy at Christmas in the wrong holy child on that holy night, and they found him. The shepherds places. We think by getting or giving the accurate gift we will be at the manger inspire some new beatitudes: satisfied. We imagine that being with family and eating biryani Blessed are the shepherds, for they give hope to ordinary will be joyful. All these can easily disappoint us. If you are people like you and me; they tell us no one is excluded looking at these things for joy, you may be left with a feeling of Blessed are the homeless, wandering, shepherd-like people, for disappointment. The magi found the true joy when they looked they are free to follow immediately the angel's call. in the right place. i.e. Jesus. Blessed are the hungry and thirsty, the unhappy and the unloved, for God has seen their misery and sent divine love III. What do you give?: The magi came to Jesus' house bearing bodily into the world at Christmas to assuage their pain and gifts. The gifts they gave were entirely appropriate. They gave loneliness and give them hope and even joy gold, as a gift for a king. By giving it they recognized that Jesus Blessed are those who know themselves so well they are aware was and is the King. They gave frankincense, a gift for a priest. of the demons lurking within them, for they are prepared to This was incense the priests used in Temple. By giving it they accept the angel's invitation recognized that Jesus was a priest - the One who would bring us Blessed are the fearful, for the Christ child came to take away to God. They gave myrrh, as the gift for the dead. This was a their fear and to give them the fullness of heaven's love, now and fragrant salve used to anoint a body before burial. By giving it forever. they recognized that Jesus had come to die for the sins of the Thank God there is a homeless, unloved, frightened shepherd in world. each of It's not about material gifts. We have to give the gift of our love us; this very rejected and despised part of us can lead us to the and kindness to our friends and family. We have to give the gift holy child of our help to those who are hurting. in Bethlehem who can be our gate to eternal life. Let us be reminded of our brothers and sisters who are Conclusion: I promise you, when you seek for the right thing, underprivileged as these shepherds during this Christmas. look in the right places, and give the right gift, you will have the real joy in this Christmas. And have a meaningful Christmas! Wishing you all a wonderful and joyful Christmas… Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Chandrasekaran Rt. Rev. T. G. Conelious, Bishop, CSI Trichy- Tanjore Diocese Bishop, CSI Krishna-Godavari Diocese

December 2018 17 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas The silent (revolution) night … from Christ beyond borders a goshala of another kind … The news seemed to echo the results of the Janaki, a poor lady, who earned her livelihood exit polls. All through the day, those who were by tapping rubber trees was paralysed all of a following the unravelling of the stories sudden following a stroke. She lived with her particularly of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh son and his wife in a two-roomed hut which and Rajasthan, irrespective of party affiliation was constructed on a mud paving beside a or loyalties, were sitting on the edge of their paddy field, that was mostly waterlogged. The seats as one seat after another was counted uncultivated paddy field was covered with tall and declared. Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime grass. As part of the community development Minister of India leading the BJP led programme of our CSI Church, Punnackad, we government, tweeted “We accept the people's mandate with have been visiting the houses of poor people in colonies for giving humility” (reported by The Times of India 12th December 2018). health awareness and for praying for them. Kidney problems, THE WEEK speaking on the same happenings reported thus: paralysis, heart problems etc. may be avoided if people take care “On his journey over the last one year as president of the of their Blood Pressure and Sugar. The Church volunteers, during Congress, Gandhi struck a personal note, saying, “I was speaking their weekly visit to colonies, check BP and sugar at free of cost to my mother yesterday. And I told her that the absolute best and the remedial actions if required and pray for them. The non- thing to happen was losing the 2014 election. I learnt a lot Christians, even orthodox Hindus, welcome our visit and request because of that …. Mr. Narendra Modi has taught that lesson.” us for prayers. Soni Mishra further writes “He said that the Modi had got a We felt a strange warmth when we entered the house of Janaki. massive opportunity five years ago to transform the country, Usually, rooms, where bedridden patients convalesce, will but 'he refused to listen to the heartbeat of the country, the invariably emanate a foul smell. But strangely the room where youngsters, the farmers', also noting that a certain amount of Janaki lay had a pleasant odour. It was obvious that her son and arrogance had come into him.” (theweek.in accessed on 20th daughter in law looked after her very well. We were really December 2018). impressed by Janaki's son and his wife's care for their mother. The people of India have spoken again! They have done it on They had even bought a television for the mother to watch while numerous earlier occasions as well. The pen is mightier than the lying on the bed. sword; the ballot more lethal. It sets off a silent revolution as was Most of the houses we visited were very demanding in nature. seen in the 2004 and 2014 parliamentary elections, as also in the They asked for medicines and other needs instead of gratefully recently concluded elections to the state legislatures in accepting what they got. However, Janaki and family Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan. The surprisingly never demanded anything but accepted what we break of dawn approximately 2018 years ago sparked a similar gave. revolution, albeit silently and in the precincts of a goshala of We saw her son for the first time during the devastating floods another kind. took place in Kerala. We asked him why he had not gone to work Mary the mother of Jesus months before that hope-filled day and he replied that the water surrounding his house would enter sang, his house anytime. 'I have to carry my mother to a safe place on "He has shown strength with His arm; he has scattered the the hill on the opposite side of the pathway' he said. We were really proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down moved by the fact that he was willing to sacrifice a day's wages to the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly" (Luke take care of his bed-ridden mother. 'My paralysed mother's safety 1: 51,52) is my priority', he told us. We felt that this was the true Christian For 2018 years and more the Jesus event has been silently spirit shown by Janaki's 'non-Christian' son. revolutionising and is continuing to revolutionise the way the During her last days, they were compelled to start nasal world operates. People living in darkness continue to see a great feeding.For that, Janaki's son went to the government hospital light (Matthew 4:16). The poor have good news brought to them to learn how the tube had to be inserted. Her son changed her (Luke 7:22). During this Christmastide, let us celebrate the tubes from time to time and fed her with much care. Four-year legacy of this revolution remembered in the presence of the bed ridden Janaki finally passed away. We saw Christ in the church in the community. And may the legacy of this and similar dedication and sacrifice of her son and his wife to give a revolutions live on in us from generation to generation, comfortable atmosphere for their bedridden mother. They are reflecting on the way we witness to it in 2019 and beyond. Please indeed Christians outside the boundaries of the Church. During accept our best wishes for a meaningful observation of this Christmas, let us see hidden Christ in other communities. Christmas and for another year of blessedness. Department of Ecological Concerns wishes Green Christmas Rev. Asir Ebenezer, and Green new year to all. Director, CSI SEVA Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad, Hon. Director, Dept. of Ecological concerns, CSI Synod.

18 December 2018 The General Meeting of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS), which is a major mission partner of the Church of South India (CSI) took place at Neustadt in Germany from 5th to 8th November 2018. Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, the Moderator of CSI, Rev. Dr. Daniel Rathnakara Sadananda, the General Secretary, and Dr. Susan Thomas, the President of the CSI Women's Fellowship represented CSI in the General Meeting, which was attended by the delegates from the member churches of EMS from 24 countries from various continents. The General Meeting elected Klaus Rieth from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Württemberg as Chairman of EMS. Dr. Habib Badr, Senior Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, Lebanon, and Detlev Knoche, Head of the Center of Ecumenism of the Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassauas were elected as Deputy Chairmen. Rev. Solomon Paul Benjamin, a member of CSI, serves the EMS as the Liasion Secretary, East Asia and India and Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, the Director of the Communication Department of the CSI Synod, who was on a short-term working- visit with the Communications team of EMS were also present in the General Assembly.

19 Kerala Regional Mission Enhancing Program along with Malabar Diocesan Mission Fest Empowered Medical Professionals and Educational Professionals towards Missional Engagements.

20 “The Hour Has Come to Arise and Act for ''Oikumene”: CSI Mission Directors Meet -2018

21 “Though we are living in the Forest Areas, We too are the Salt and Light to the World”: Missional Voices from Elamplassery Kudy in Idukki.

“Witness Jesus Christ through Every Day Life”: East Kerala Diocesan Mission Fest-2018

22 Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas: The Provider God is with Us! God's unfathomable Love “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned The Christmas story tells us how God cares or modern, is very simple: loving others.” - Bob for creations. God was playing the vital Hope. leading role in all the events connected to the Christmas event by providing the players of Christmas reminds us of God's unfathomable the event with the needed support. Joseph love exhibited through his son Jesus the and Mary were given an appropriate place in Christ. Incarnation, God becoming flesh is the the form of Manger to give birth to Jesus, the greatest marvel that reveals the height, Magi were given a star as well as dreams of depth, and breadth of God's love that revelations to find the proper ways, Poor and embraces all. In a world full of hatred and violence, God's mercy marginalised shepherds who were facing the brunt of the chilly and grace come as an astounding gift to humankind assuring breeze in the open field were given chance to go to the Manger peace, joy and wellbeing. In a world of darkness, God's light and see the Lord as a newborn baby, and the Mother Mary was shines dispelling life's perplexities and complexities. The Lord provided by the needed gifts that would have helped them did not come to make a display of his power and splendour but immensely when they had to flee from Herod. to identify himself with the poor, marginalized, refugees and the Hence, Christmas was about God's care and how he provides the ostracised. 'He became poor in order that we might become needy. rich'. He came to heal those who are bruised by the social, Kerala saw the most devastating floods of the century at the fag political, religious and economic structures and life-negating end of this year. I was given the responsibility to be part of the traditions; and to redeem and restore the enslaved. team from the CSI Synod to visit the flood-affected Kerala for the needs assessment. We met Rev. Binoy P. Joseph, The Vicar of Incarnation is better understood from the fact that when Mary Madhya Kerala Diocese, who shared an unbelievable experience held the baby Jesus, she held the Lord of the universe; and when with us. Poovathoor, where Rev. Binoy is serving as a Presbyter, she kissed him, she kissed the face of God. That is the effect of was one of the most affected areas during the floods. He took incarnation where transcendent God became tangible. God the initiatives to help the people in this place to have shelter in making himself available to the groaning communities, allowing the parsonages and the parish hall which is the only place himself to be touched and understood from a vantage point is inundated since it was a comparatively higher place than the nothing but the supreme love of God. Being compelled by this rest. He was so troubled realising that there was not enough rice love we ought to love others beyond the borders we have to feed the people who left the submerged houses to have created among ourselves. The message of Christmas is God shelter in the parish hall. It was not possible to reach any of the putting himself at the disposal of those who need him. So, the shops to get rice because the water level was rising. But Rev. Binoy real celebration of Christmas is when we make ourselves and a few youngsters including from Hindu faith community were available for others in times of need to serve them. This is continuing certain rescue operations daring the rising water level. practising God's hospitality. May this Christmas inspire us to They came to know that an old bed-ridden woman stranded in her love others to exhibit God's radical hospitality that extends to house and rushed to the house to rescue her. During the rescue all. I wish you a blessed Christmas and an eventful New Year operation, they were in the doing chest-deep water, Rev. Binoy 2019. saw a strange scene that a sack was moving towards him along with the flow of the water. He caught that sack out of curiosity and alas, it was full of rice! To everybody's surprise, not even a drop of Rev. K. James Cecil Victor water went inside the sack which could have spoiled the rice. Director, Dept. of Pastoral Concerns, CSI Synod All those who were in the refugee camp in the Poovathoor CSI Parish hall were given food for the rest of the days until the water receded. Christmas is an event which shows us how God provides in our needs, but not our greeds. May God, the provider and sustainer, bless you with a wonderful New year! Merry Christmas! Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director, CSI Synod Communications & Dalit and Adivasi Concerns.

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Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Make Christmas Meaningful Virgin with a Child: An Image of God's Promise, Call to Repentance There is a concern among many Christians In the 21st century, in the age of globalization that Christmas is slowly being taken over by and human rights, more than 6,500 Yazidi the world as a mere holiday, a time for children and women became captive and shopping or just to eat, drink and celebrate. were sold, bought, and sexually and Many of us have spent much money for this psychologically abused. … Young girls at the celebration, but have we ever wondered how Christmas really felt to those who don't have prime of life are sold, bought, held captive money to buy anything? What Christmas and raped every day. meant to a widowed mother or a jobless man These are the words of Nadia Murad, Nobel who's trying to make both ends meet; or for someone who just lost their loved ones? What is Christmas to Peace Prize Laureates 2018 from Iraq, in her Nobel lecture. Her those who are working offf shore, in remote jungles or bold and tireless efforts to end war crime against women and thousands of miles away from their families? children of minority communities is rewarded. India is not We need to see Christmas through those people's eyes. Now, let exempted from such violence against minorities. What images us read one such challenging Christmas story of a mother whose can be adapted to join the struggles to end war crimes against daughter was a veritable vegetable once, who now turned into a women and children of minorities? bright and cheerful woman… Young Woman with a Child: God's Promise of Salvation Daliya was born with a serious disability inc1996 at Amarvila, Neyyattinkara town, Trivandrum district, Kerala. She was Isaiah 7: 14 presents an image of a “young woman” (almah) with detected with Cerebral palsy while in her mother's womb and a child, reminding of God's promise to liberate Jerusalem; suffered from mild mental retardation as a result. Her father promise to rebuild communities. This mage of “young woman” suffered from heart and kidney ailments. After a long duration of treatments and heart operation, he was bed-ridden. is interpreted by the Gospel of Matthew to explain the birth of Ultimately he passed away leaving behind Daliya, her brother Jesus Christ- young woman as “virgin” (Parthenos), which and her mother, who now was the sole bread-winner of the radicalised through keeping the promise of God's salvation in family toiling day & night as a meagre coolie. continuum with Isaiah but, negates the power of “man” that They saw a ray of hope when she was admitted into CSI Centre for overpowers the decision of virgin. the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Trivandrum, CSI South Kerala Diocese. At that time, Daliya was unable to speak or interact with Virgin with a Child: A Call to Repent: The image of the virgin is people. She could hardly walk or balance herself and would often painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a well-known painter of fall down while trying to walk. Above all, she had a poor memory. Reformation. Cranach's virgin with a Child, in the background of The intervention of the CSI centre and their support in providing bushes and Wartburg Castle at far distance, is explained in terms speech, occupational and psychotherapy among other therapies tremendously helped her. Miraculously Daliya showed great of how virgins were sexually abused by the powerful men. Such progress and was soon able to understand and learn things. a picture was intended to call the powerful to repent. Gradually she showed eagerness to study and went on to Let our Christmas services present the message of commitment complete her graduation (B.A) at the Christian college, Kattakkada. She is now awaiting the results of her final year to end war crimes- against minorities, remember God's promise examination and has now enrolled in Computer DTP and of restoration. Stenography courses with the help of her CSI church/Parish. When we spoke to her mother she said that Daliya found the love of Jesus through the services of the centre. Rev. Dr. P. Praveen Prabhu Sudheer, Ph.D There are many people out there, like Daliya's family, who are CSI-EMS Liaison of ficer lost, lonely feeling useless & empty and with no hope to spare. They need to hear the message of Christmas that God cares for them. All of us who have experienced rejection, or have been left out the need to hear that message. God is speaking to us today saying "You're wrong to think that you don't matter. Those lonely shepherds mattered to me; so do all of you. And unto you, a Savior is born". How do we make this Christmas mean something to us and all those distant souls? First, we give ourselves to Jesus. Second, just like Jesus spoke in Matthew 25:31-46, He calls himself as hungry, thirsty, lonely, naked, and sick, as a stranger and prisoner. Realise his presence in everybody! Mr. Emmanuel Anil Kumar Charles, Director, CSIBCC

December 2018 25 Dept. of Youth, CSI Synod NCCI organizes National Ecumenical Youth Assembly 2018

National council of churches in India inaugural session with welcome note, fundamentalism and freedom of organizes National ecumenical youth Episcopal greetings and gave religions, atrocities against women and assembly for every four years. This year it introduction about the theme. Rev. Asir gender justice, understanding Human was held at Mar Thoma Youth Retreat Ebenezer, Director, CSI-SEVA, presented sexuality and gender identities towards Centre, Adoor, from 7th to 9th November. the key note address. inclusive churches, journey to the holy The theme of the assembly was land, responsibility towards ecology The youth assembly focussed on the “Fostering Reponsible Citizenry”. It was a and climate change and youth in being responsible citizens, sessions gathering of around 200 people from ecumenical movement from orthodox were interesting and youngsters various member churches of NCCI; 19 perspective. actively participated in all workshops. participants represented Church of There were 4 sessions held on various Cultural event was conducted after South India in the conference held. topics like atrocities on Dalits and dinner. Special school children and Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Tibals/Adivasis, plenary on sexual participants of member churches Secretary NCCI, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham minorities, ecumenical formation, and showed up their talents with various Mar Paulose Episcopa, Bishop Adoor accountability to peace building in performances. Diocese, Mr. Jiantholung, Executive times of intolerance. Workshops were Mrs. J. Augustina Margret Secretary, Youth Concerns, NCCI, led the also conducted on the topics, religious Dept. of Youth, CSI Synod.

Dept. of Ecological Concerns, CSI Synod Green School Training Programme at Trivandrum

CSI Synod Department of Ecological Diocese inaugurated the programme. Dr. Punnackad, Hon. Director of Ecological Concerns organized a training for teachers Rosebist, Secretary, Rev. D. N. Calvin Concerns took the class. He explained the and Clergy of the South Kerala Diocese on Christo, Treasurer, Mr. Sathyajose D, significance of GSP and motivated the Green School Programme on 3rd Corporate Manager, Mr. Robin Wilfred, teachers and clergy. The total number of Novmeber 2018 at Trivandrum. Rev. Dr. R. PRO, Mr. Prasath DS , Secretary Board of participants was onehundred and eight. Njanadas, Vice Chairman of SKD presided Ecological Concerns and Rev. Aji Lal E. S., Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad over the inaugural function and Rt. Rev. Coordinator Board of Ecological Concerns Hon. Director, Dept. of Ecological Concerns Dharmaraj Rasalam, Bishop South Kerala offered felicitations. Dr. Mathew Koshy

Dept. of Ecological Concerns, CSI Synod Green School Training Programme at Varkala

CSI Synod Department of Ecological the programme. Rev. Bhanu Samuel, Vice significance of GSP and motivated Concerns organized a training for teachers President, Rev. I. Baby Secretary Board of teachers and clergy. The total number of and Clergy of Kollam Kottarakara Diocese Ecological Concerns and Mr. Beeaet, participants was sixty on the Green School Programme on 6th Coordinator Board of Ecological Concerns Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad Novmeber 2018 at Blind School, Varkala. offered felicitations. Dr. Mathew Koshy Hon. Director, Dept. of Ecological Concerns The Rt. Rev. Oommen George, Bishop of Punnackad, Hon. Director of Ecological Kollam Kottarakara Diocese inaugurated Concerns took the class. He explained the

26 December 2018 Dept. of Ecological Concerns, CSI Synod Green Protocol – Guidelines

(CSI Synod requests all the Dioceses to give publicity for the Green Protocol and encourage all to follow the Guidelines in all their activities . Approved by CSI Synod Executive held on 20th and 21st November 2018 at CSI Synod Centre, Chennai. )

The Church of South India (hereafter CSI), the of the present without compromising the 4. # GPGD 4: Do not throw away Plastic only Church in India which has mentioned ability of the future generations to meet a. Make our churches plastic- free. Avoid Ecology as a mission in its Constitution and in their own needs. The CSI does believe that throwing away polythene bags and other its Mission statement, emphasizes the the present development paradigm plastic material completely during the message that Christians have a duty to promoted by the 'developed' countries is activities in the day today life of church. protect God's creation. In the life and responsible for the global ecological crisis, ministry of the Church, the CSI would like and thus 'Climate Injustice'. We demand b. Use steel tumblers and steel plates for to promote sustainable development the 'developed' countries to change their Church functions. Serve food on banana practices and to build power for change. present development paradigm which leaves or Oil papers over the steel plates Hence, the CSI Synod publishes the exploit the fossil fuels resulting in the which will reduce the use of water and '# GPGD 12 Points: Green Protocol for Climate change. soap during cleaning it. Encourage the Green Discipleship - A Guideline of 12 participants to clean their own plates 2. # GPGD2: Energy Conservation: Points for the CSI Dioceses to develop after use. a. Reduce using electric lamps in churches Green Congregations'. We hope and during day time when there is enough light c. Arrange discussions at local level on how pray that all the parishes in the CSI would from the Sun. to reduce the use of plastic in your locality. abide by this Green Protocol and would d. Always carry a paper bag or a cloth bag, thus effectively participate in the 'Green- b. Use LED light system in Church and in its while going to buy provisions from a shop or Discipleship' of our Church. buildings. a super market. As the CSI is committed to protect the integrity c. Use Solar energy, in the churches and all 5. # GPGD 5: Planting of the creation, we do believe that the Green the institutions owned by the Church. protocol should reflect in the life and ministry d. Use biogas wherever possible. a. Plant a sapling in the Church Campus of the Church. We do believe that the during important functions. Also plant a e. Encourage people to depend on energy Church should respond prophetically or sapling commemorating the visit of conservation methods like solar system lament like Jeremiah when people exploit important personalities. and biogas plant. natural resources and consequently b. After Wedding Services, the newly 3. # GPGD 3: Water Conservation crucifying God's creation, the flora and the wedded couple shall be encouraged to fauna. The CSI expresses her solidarity a. Harvest the rain water from roof top of all plant together a sapling. Saplings could also with our groaning creation, eagerly the churches and the buildings of the CSI. be planted in memory of a member who waiting for redemption. God the Creator died. b. Encourage people to harvest rain water designed the universe as interdependent from their roof tops and make rain pits on the c. Encourage planting of fruit bearing plants and as a living organism and therefore her land, for water recharge. in public places which will be used by other redemption is possible only by preserving creatures of that area. The CSI has been (in some cases, retrieving) her dynamic c. Avoid leakage of the water taps. promoting biodiversity. Our slogan is and harmonious balance. d. Propagate and plant Vetiver which will “Plant fruit bearing plants outside your 1. # GPGD1: Development according to enhance ground water recharge and avoid boundaries and nurture it”, highlighting the Church of South India: The CSI supports soil erosion. our spirituality of caring for all. any development that fulfils the requirement

December 2018 27 d. Ensure that the saplings planted are watered and manured well. 6. # GPGD 6: Constructions a. Use materials which are made in a sustainable way. Use locally-made goods wherever possible. Also take into account the lifetime costs of materials while repairing, altering or rebuilding premises. b. Utilise opportunities to conserve and enhance the natural and built environment, promote and encourage eco friendly constructions. c. Construct Churches with the right motive to worship God and not to show our glory. The size of the church should be proportional to the average Sunday worshipers. Maintenance will become a big problem in future, like the churches in the west selling their churches as they cannot maintain the big structure. We have to avoid the depletion of natural resources as far as possible. The CSI is against the construction of huge luxurious church buildings. Construct simple, environment-friendly churches to Good Practices: An NGO, organises District ii. Reuse waste by composting. accommodate the maximum expected and area level programmes by collecting number of people. Use minimum quantity iii. Refuse waste coming from corporate lunch packets from the public. The volunteers of non-renewable resources. lobbies. visit the houses and tell the people residing d. Sharing of Church buildings with other near the venue of the meeting to give one iv. Do not receive second hand equipments denominations is a good example not only or two vegetarian lunch packets for giving coming from developed countries or for the sake of ecumenism but also for the to their delegates. The volunteers visit the corporate lobbies. sake of ecology, since that promotes houses around 11am and collect all the b. Electronic waste is a serious problem as it effective and efficient utilization of lunch packets. The Vicar of a CSI Church contains fatal ingredients; hence throwing it resources. arranged a district level conference. The on land and in water will eventually reach our e. Conduct necessary discussions before vicar collected 60 lunch packets from the human body. There are recycling and commencing any construction projects. parish members and distributed to 60 processing unit in some areas, whose Make sure that the construction is done delegates who attended the programme. facilities could be used, with the help of in an eco-friendly manner. The Vicar invited locally available experts. government agencies. The vicar conducted an area level 7. # GPGD 7: Fellowship Lunch, Dinner & c. Do not burn plastic materials which produce programme without spending any money Tea: a. Try to arrange Lunch, Dinner & Tea by carcinogenic material called dioxin that can of the Church. Everybody appreciated the pooling the resources from the members cause cancer and other serious health programme. instead of handing over to caterers. This problems. Further, do not throw them on will facilitate Christian value of sharing 8. # GPGD 8: Waste Management: the land, water and forests, since that and a small initiative to counter the a. Our slogan is “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, would cause environmental problems. trends in globalisation. Refuse”. Therefore, Reduce the use. Do not mix it with other i. Reduce the waste as far as possible. wastes.

28 December 2018 9. # GPGD 9: Functions: a. Burial Services encourage agriculture. For example,avail as to reduce the use of private vehicles. insurances that are granted for agricultural i. Encourage people to plant saplings in b. During travel, we have to make every crops. Promote farmers to save seeds connection with memorial services. effort to reduce air pollution and energy from their own farms for the coming year. consumption. ii. Reduce the number of wreaths as far as c. Encourage churches to set apart a Sunday possible. One wreath, representing all c. Support the expansion of good quality to honour local farmers; Services giving organisations, is sufficient. public transport, the provision of improved importance to agriculture. Extend financial facilities for cyclists and pedestrians b. Wedding help to poor farmers during Christmas 12. # GPGD 12: Printing: a. Publish the i. Instead of giving plastic water bottles to season church newsletter once in two months, rather individuals, make arrangements to serve d. Encourage people to make vegetable than on all months. water in glasses. gardens and give awareness about the b. Reuse the plain side of printed notices and ii. Encourage the newly wedded couple to farming methods using grow bags and also other papers. jointly plant a sapling along with / instead of on the land. lighting the lamp. Make necessary e. Kindly note that our wrong agricultural c. Encourage the use of reusable postal arrangements to place it in a suitable place practices are responsible for many diseases, covers. and nurture it. malnutrition, poverty etc. The CSI promotes d. Use cloth banners c. Conventions & Meetings organic cultivation and is against the e. Digital media than print media to share cultivation of Genetically Modified Crops i. Use box type amplifiers to avoid noise news pollutions f. Promote bee-keeping in the farms for Contact: Director, Department of Ecological facilitating better cross pollination and also a ii. Never use flex and minimize decorations. Concerns, CSI Synod Centre, 5 whites Road, source of income. Royapetta, Chennai 600014. iii. Welcome the guests not with bouquet or 11. # GPGD 11: Transportation: a. shawls, but with a sapling Email: [email protected] Encourage the people to use public 10. # GPGD 10: Farming: a. Do not use any transportation for going to church, at least kind of Chemical Pesticides in the church once in a month. Whenever possible, campus encourage people to accommodate b. Make use of the government policies that another family in their private vehicles so

2019 will be the Year of Festivals: CSI Synod Mission Board 2018 Chennai: CSI Synod Mission Board has to act and react responsively amid political the highlights of Moderators and General conducted at CSI Synod Centre on 29th as well as social dilemmas. Board Secretary's Address based on “The Hour Has October 2018. The Rt. Rev. Dr. J. J. Members have presented the Mission Come to Arise and Act for God's Oikumene”. Christdoss, Chairman for the Department report of their respective Dioceses. In this concern, Board decided to organize of Mission and Evangelism, CSI Synod has meaningful and creative Training Programs, There was a highlight committee to presided over the meeting. Board, after Conferences, Retreats, Gatherings, and highlight the messages of Inaugural met necessary formalities, discussed Seminars for the Missionaries and Evangelists Address as well as Key Note Address. Rev. about the future programs and decided to empower and equip them to address the Jacob George, Mission Director in Madhya that 2019 will be the year of festival in correct issues and act accordingly for the Kerala Diocese, Rev. Sebastian Jethna, synod level, Regional Level and Diocesan radical transformation of the whole Mission Director in Karnataka Southern Level. Furthermore, Board has approved community. Diocese, Rev. Pon Prabhakar, Mission the 2017-2022 Mission Agendas and Director in Madhurai-Ramnad Diocese Rev. Maxcin John, entrusted the Synod Mission Director to and Rev. A. P. Johnson, Mission Director in Director, Dept. of Mission and Evangelism, implement it in timely manner. Moreover, Nadyal Diocese have served as Highlight CSI Synod Board has decided to make political Committee Members. They have presented consciousness among the congregations

December 2018 29 Dept. of Dalit & Adivasi Concerns, CSI Synod Dalit and Adivasi Youngsters Challenge Caste-Based Discriminations by Equipping Themselves.

“ T h e p re s e n c e of c a s te - ba s e d Indian caste system. Social evils such as fenced within the theological circle. discrimination, which does exist within sati, infant marriage, child sacrifices were Salvation happens when text meets the Indian Christian church, should be protested and fought against during context to save from that life-destroying understood by the Christians as a grave these times. Mahatma Jyothibai Phule's forces. Then what are the forces that sin”, commented Rt. Rev. Ravikumar J. education in Pune began as an effective destroy life? Taking the example of Niranjan, the Bishop in the Karnataka tool to educate society. Dr. B. R. Israelites' 400 years of slavery from the Northern Diocese (KND) of the Church of Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Egyptians. Salvation from slavery, which South India (CSI) while addressing the Constitution and the key person for the was the life-destroying system in that delegates of the Dalit and Adivasi Youth Dalit movement, created a new chapter to context. Therefore, Studying and doing Leadership Training Camp. The camp, the struggles and challenges. Indian theology is Praxis, where experience which was inaugurated by Rev. Mrs. missionaries, especially Chennappa becomes the key factor. Sitz im Leben – Hanna Niranjan, the President of the Uttangi from Karnataka, had explored to where text becomes alive and alert and Women's Fellowship in KND, was a Theology based on the struggles of Dalit. active in the context. Today, which is the Kannada Regional Training programme life-destroying factors that have become But he lamented that even after organised by the Dalit and Adivasi visible and the invisible controlling education is widespread, and awareness Concerns Department of the CSI Synod. system of Dalit and Adivasi youth. Let us against casteism is done, the atrocities The Camp was inaugurated on the 6th take few biblical characters that help us to still continue, especially against women, and concluded on the 8th of November a understand the text and context. Dalits and Adivasis among which only 2018 at the CSI Retreat Centre in Dharwad 47,000 incidents are registered in the Life and struggle of Joseph: Genesis 37- with the partnership of the Council for 2018 update. These struggles have been 39 present a series of challenges that World Mission and the Karnataka influenced by fascist ideologies, not only Joseph went through within the family Northern Diocese of CSI. in India but throughout the world. The and later from the context where he was Rev. Dr. Manohar Chandra Prasad, an Dalit and Adivasi youngsters have an forced to live. Siblings forced him to ordained minister of the CSI and a Dalit extra responsibility in combating become a commodity and sold him to Activist, gave the keynote address. He casteism and equipping themselves to become a slave. Broken and separated told that the Dalit and Adivasi movement face the challenges of the caste-based from his familiar environment Joseph is an ongoing daily struggle. This struggle discriminations, he reiterated. never lost his Self-esteem. When has a long history connecting to 300 BC. temptation attacked him through Rev. Hemalatha John, a CSI Presbyter Manusmrithi divided human beings into Potiphar's wife, he escaped and ran from the Karnataka Central Diocese and a four castes; Brahmins, Kasthryas, Vaisyas, through to save himself. With time Joseph theologian specifically writes on Dalit and Sudras. The Dalits were called as Adi- became next in command to Pharaoh and Women Issues, led two sessions. In her Sudras or outcast, not belonging to the life encountered him with his destroyers. first session, 'The Theological Approach caste system. Today based on race there Joseph reconciled and accepted his to the Self-esteem, Resistance and are 7,000 caste and sub-caste; within the relationships. The visible life-destroying Resilience of Dalit and Adivasi Christian community, there are 1,500 elements in Joseph's life were his siblings Youngsters', she pointed out that, “We castes and sub-caste. and Potiphar's wife. What are the visible need theology because we need salvation forces destroying the lives of youth? During the British times, the caste system from God and only the study or faced certain challenges because knowledge of knowing God will help us to Life and silence of Potiphar's daughter: Britishers enforced mandatory laws to attain salvation. God's will in our life and Judges 11 narrates a story of the warrior who treat Indian on the same grounds. The struggle makes the theological approach pledged to sacrifice anyone and anything Education system, which was started by a need for everyone. But we have limited that comes his way first, while he returns the missionaries turned into a theology only to the clergy circle and victorious from the battle. Jephthahwon the revolutionary movement against the hence theological approach has become battle on the battlefield but lost the battle of

30 December 2018 his life. Jephthah returned, and his daughter Leadership'. Jesus began a movement unclean. Whereas ended with the came first before him to celebrate his that was a life supporting and sustaining, incident woman your faith, has healed victory. Jephthah's daughter obliged to this is a unique feature we see and your daughter's life. Faith comes from her father's pledge and willingly gave up witness in the model of Jesus's within and it is clean. Jesus extended his her life as a sacrifice. leadership. Hence Jesus remains a faith and tradition in conversation with favourite leader of humanity to learn and the Greek woman. That's the role model Jephthah also became a visible life- unlearn many aspects of life and faith. of Jesus's leadership, knowing others and destroying force in his daughter's life. building other's faith. Is youth today, The invisible life destroyer in this context St. Mark 7 begins with understanding willing to understand the context and is, the society accepted and practised Jewish tradition between pure and extend their faith while encountering human sacrifice. Today, what are those impure in the way the ritual of food people of distinct faith? visible and invisible destroying forces practice. Jews believed that ritual pure that have and is sacrificing youth. and impure was of eating is the ultimate The Second and third day of the training but Jesus was focusing on eating has a camp was led by Mr. Sharath from 'the Skill Life and insecurity of Jeremiah: Jeremiah celebration of life, anything that goes Factory' in Bangalore. The training 1 brings out a wonderful conservation inside in any manner is clean, it's the sessions, focusing on 'Building and between God and Jeremiah the prophet. attitude that matters within the heart and strengthening leadership: Perseverance, God is very confident of Jeremiah's not a ritualistic limitation of the head. So, confidence, self- affirmation, overcoming potential and capability, so God chooses anything that goes inside is clean and fear, and goal- setting: A personality him to be the prophet. Jeremiah rejects that comes out from within is unclean, development training from Dalit Tribal the opportunity that God provides by Jesus concluded and went away to a perspective', were interesting for the saying in Verse 1:7, I am just a young lad, place of silence. During the time of delegates with the games and other being young Jeremiah was not confident silence, a woman from Tyre region creative elements were interwoven to the in himself a sense of insecurity had searches and finds out where Jesus is sessions. overtaken him. Jeremiah himself became placed. She comes with a request to a visible life destroyer for oneself. Today's On the final day, Rev. Sagar, professor of deliver her daughter from an evil force youth how many have lost, so many the Karnataka Theological College in that is destroying her daughter's life. opportunities by not knowing one's Mangalore, spoke on 'Education as a tool Jesus knows the context of her region potential. for emancipation- challenges and way Syrian Phoenicia, talks using the forward: A Dalit Tribal Approach'. Rev. M. Life and resistance and resilience of metaphor of the land. This place was J. Muddebihal (Vice – President), Mr. Daniel and friends: Daniel and friends famous where food was produced and Vijayakumar V. Dandin (Secretary), and went through a forced migration from packed and exported to other places. Mr. Anand Sadgun Paul (Treasurer) of the their hometown and began a life in the Jesus asked her can a dog eat the child's Karnataka Northern Diocese of the CSI royal environment of Babylon which is an share of food? Then a Greek woman who gave felicitation speeches in the unknown for the youth to restart their understood faith through knowledge valedictory meeting. life. The pressure that they had to resist told Jesus, even the dogs share the food began with the basics, the food. It was the from the table. Jesus spoke to her Rev. G. Nandakumar from the Karnataka tradition of that land to mix pig's blood, knowing the attitude of her place. Her Northern Diocese led the morning in the food and drink. Knowing their place was popular for the food worship services. Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, the habits these youth choose a way of life production and export, which kept the Director of the CSI Synod Department of that was their very own, they went back inhabitants as the second priority. the Dalit and Adivasi Concerns to their old and own habit of eating. Knowing this Jesus encountered women introduced the concept of the Daniel and friends learnt to adapt and by making her realize that, the people programme and gave leadership to the respond to their life's struggles and who produce should be supplied camp. challenges. sufficiently. Despite, the inhabitants were Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, left without. The Greek woman replied in How can we resist the visible and invisible Director, Dept. of Dalit & Adivasi concerns, her own context, yet she affirmed her life destroying that affect our basis and CSI Synod. faith through her response to Jesus and, basic living? Do we need to react and gained her daughter's life by responding become a life-destroying force using to the attitude of Jesus. violence as Dalit and Adivasi youth? Chapter 7 began with pure and impure The next session was on 'Dalit and tradition, saying that which comes out is Adivasi youth: A Jesus Model of

December 2018 31 Dept. of Mission & Evangelism, CSI Synod Kerala Regional Mission Enhancing Program along with Malabar Diocesan Mission Fest Empowered Medical Professionals and Educational Professionals towards Missional Engagements.

Chennai: “Mission is not the Matter of and Missionaries those who are sacrificially led a session on “Conversion and Re- Power, but the Matter of Being and worked for the common well-being of the Engineering of Self”. He has highlighted Becoming Small, Simple and Significant like society. “As getting power out of this legacy, the tremendous efforts done by the Jesus Christ” stated by Rev. Dr. Daniel we need to identify the signs of the age and missionaries for the social reformation as Rathnakara Sadananda, General Secretary, serve the community for the radical well as transformation. Conversion is not Church of South India during the Inaugural transformation of all”, Bishop added. We mere change from one religion to another, and Key-Note Address in Kerala Regional should serve as an exponent of the Mission rather, it is all about personal Mission Enhancing Program along with of Jesus Christ and uphold the fellowship, transformation and correlation to one Malabar Diocesan Mission Fest-2018 at CSI, then move ahead, Bishop has another, he added. th St. Mary's English Church, Kozhikode on 16 encouraged the delegates. There was a special gathering for “Enhancing th to 18 November 2018. He further Rev. N. K. Sunny (Clergy Secretary), Rev. T.I. capacities of Medical Professionals as well as emphasized that Mission is all about James (Corporate School Manager) and Educational Professionals towards Missional becoming small for the least, lost and last. It Mrs. Esther Reginald (Women's Fellowship engagements”. 'Healing is an integral part of is not the matter of power, but the matter of General Secretary) have conveyed the Mission and all the Medical professionals service in love. greetings. The Faculties from Kerala United including Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Physio Furthermore, General Secretary added Theological Seminary also have extended Therapists, Medical Reps, Hospital Attenders, that like a small boy who has two fish and their presence to the Mission Enhancing Chaplains, so on are the Missionaries' was the five loaves, our resources must be shared to Program. Rev. Dr. M.P. Joseph (KUT profound message brought forth in a others. God will bless it and transform it for Principal), Rev. Dr. John Winslow (Theology), program for Medical professionals. Dr. the well-being of all. Church must embrace Rev. Ninan Jacob (NT), Rev. John Davidson George Itty, (Malabar Diocese), Dr. Josemon the people on the street those who are Johnson (Ethics), and Rev. Ebenezer George (East Kerala Diocese), Dr. Sheela deprived from the mainstream of the Shinekumar (Religion) have attended the Noone (Malabar Diocese) and Dr. Periyan community. As a grain of wheat falls into the program. “We all are born out of gospel of (Malabar Diocese) have conducted the ground and dies to bear fruits, Church Jesus Christ”, stated by Rev. Dr. M.P. Joseph sessions based on enhancing capacities of should be emptied themselves in order to during his felicitation in the meeting. He Medical professionals towards Missional bear fruits for the living community. It is the further added that we need to remember engagements. The meeting emphasized need of the hour for the Church to organize that we are called out from darkness into that “Medical Mission is an act of common platform to celebrate justice, light to proclaim the gospel of Jesus transformation”. Therefore, all medical peace and reconciliation through which Christ through our life. professionals irrespective of any Church could able to invite all to join and Rev. Paul David Thottatthil, Rtd. Presbyter, categories are the Medical Missionaries. celebrate the life. Malabar Diocese has conducted a session Moreover, all medical professionals are The meeting was presided by the Rt. Rev. based on “Missionary Dreams in Malabar”. called to be servants to serve society Dr. Royce Manoj Victor, Bishop in Malabar In this regard, he commemorated all without any reservation and divisions. Diocese. During the presidential address, tireless efforts rendered by the They must radiate positive energy and Bishop highlighted this Mission Fest is the Missionaries including Basel Mission hope to the living context, and they first and foremost Mission Fest of newly Missionaries for the development of the should empower others. Therefore, formed Malabar Diocese. Bishop reminded Church and society. Prof. Jaiprakash Medical Mission is the life-giving about the remarkable legacy of the Mission Raghaviah, an Author and Historian has Ministry.

32 December 2018 'Education is an integral part of Mission; the preacher. In his preaching, Bishop call to engage in Missional activities more therefore, all educational professionals are highlighted that 'Church of South India is actively and enthusiastically. The whole the Missionaries' was the focal message of the Missionary Church. Passion for the program was based on the theme the program for “Enhancing Capacities of Mission is needed for all of us. Since it is “Enhancing Capacities of Congregation to Educational Professionals towards the Mission of God, it is concerned to all, become Missional Congregation”. It was the Missional engagements”. Mr. Sheril Jose, even to the whole creation. Not only this, venue for revisit and re look in the context of Motivational Speaker, CSI Tholassery in God is always with us while we are Mission and it helped lot to get creative and Madhya Kerala Diocese has delivered a key- participating the Mission of God, Bishop constructive directions and guidelines to note address to the meeting. He stated that encouraged all participants. move ahead in doing Mission in the days to as an Educational Professional, “we are A valedictory function also was organized come. It was a venue for mutual learning called out to empower and transform in which Senior Evangelists were honored and listening, fellowship and rejuvenation in others”. Therefore, all educational and appreciated for their commendable doing Mission. professionals are missionaries for the services rendered to the Church. Bishop The Mission Fest was organized as the transformation. Rev. T.I. James, Corporate Royce Manoj Victor reminded about the joint venture between CSI Synod Mission School Manger has coordinated the “Mantle of Responsibility”. We should be more Department and Board of Mission and meeting in a fruitful way along with Board of responsible, transparent and accountable in Evangelism, Malabar Diocese. CSI St. Mary's Mission and Evangelism, Malabar doing Mission, Bishop advised the Church has rendered a commendable Diocese. Around four hundred participants. hospitality to the program. Synod Mission educational professionals have attended Rev. Shoban Kumar Daniel (Mission Department is indebted to Rt. Rev. Dr. the meeting. Director, Malabar Diocese) along with Dr. Royce Manoj Victor, Bishop in Malabar Mission Bible Conventions also have George Itty (Program convener) have Diocese, All the Office Bearers of the organized in the evenings as part of the organized the Mission Fest meaningful way. Malabar Diocese and Rev. Shoban Kumar Mission Fest. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar The Rt. Rev. Dr. Royce Manoj Victor (Bishop), Daniel, Mission Director, Dr. George Itty, Theethos Episcopa(Bishop in Malankara Mr. Desmond Babu (Malabar Diocesan Program Convener, Mr. Hemmings, Marthoma Church) , Rev.Dr.Ajith Kumar, and Treasurer), Mr. Kenneth Lazar (Lay Secretary Church Worker in St. Mary's CSI English Rev.Fr.Paulose Parekkara, Cor Episcopa in of Malabar Diocese), Mrs. Bindu Royce Church, all the Church Committee Arch Diocese of Syrian Orthodox Church (Women's Fellowship President of Malabar Members and Program Planning have delivered the messages. It was the Diocese), Rev. Maxcin John (Synod Mission Committee Members of Malabar Diocese opportunity for the missional revival and Director), Pastors, Church workers, for hosting the program in well manner. restoration. Missionaries from various Dioceses of Rev. Maxcin John, Director, The Holy Communion Service also was Kerala Region and the congregation Dept. of Mission and Evangelism, conducted at St. Mary's English CSI Church members have attended in the Fest. CSI Synod. in connection to the Mission Fest. The Rt. This Mission enhancing program was an Rev. Dr. Oommen George, Bishop in Kollam- eye-opening, challenging and a missional Kottarakara Diocese was the celebrant and

DISCLAIMER Any Views expressed in the CSI Life belong to their respective authors and are not necessarily those of the CSI Life. The authors will be solely responsible for their views and ideas.

December 2018 33 Dept. of Mission & Evangelism, CSI Synod “Witness Jesus Christ through Every Day Life”: East Kerala Diocesan Mission Fest-2018

Chennai: Unambiguously, East Kerala Key-Note Address. He further stated that Fields. Bishop K.G. Daniel along with East Diocesan Mission Fest has brought forth not conversion, but we need to focus on Kerala Diocesan Mission Department a clear message that “witness Jesus Christ transformation of all. Mission should be Office bearers have received the through Everyday Life”. Mission Fest was inclusive, and it should embrace all for contribution on behalf of South Kerala organized as joint program by the radical transformation. Mission Diocese. Department of Mission and Evangelism, always should stand for the common Mission Fest was well organized by Rev. CSI Synod and the Mission Department, good of all. Be salt and light to the world V.S. Francis (Mission Director, EKD), Rev. East Kerala Diocese on 9th and 10th must be the character of Missional James P. Mammen (Mission Board November 2018 at H.R.D.T. Centre, engagements. Love must be the driving Secretary), Rev. A. E. Eappen (Asst. Mission Melukavumattom. force. Each day, we need to reach to new Director), Rev. George Joseph (Mission people and new fields to transform “Mission must be focused in Jesus Christ Coordinator) and all Missionaries. An through our credible and integral and it should be fruitful and all those who eighty-five participants have attended in presence, he added. are participated in Mission must be faithful”, the Mission Fest including Pastors, said Rt. Rev. Dr. K. G. Daniel, Bishop in East There were guests from the Board of Catechists, Evangelists and Mission Kerala Diocese during the Inaugural Mission, South Kerala Diocese to Supporters. Address. Bishop further added that own life participate in Mission Fest. Rev. C. P. Obviously, Mission Fest was the venue for is the best medium to propagate the gospel Justin Jose (Mission Board Director), Mr. rejuvenation and re-dedication in doing of Christ and we must witness Jesus Christ Donald Lal (Mission Board Secretary) and mission more creatively and meaningfully through our everyday life. Words and deeds Rev. P. Stanly (Mission Coordinator) have in accordance to the need of the hour. All must be complimentary in doing Mission, represented the South Kerala Diocesan were committed and dedicated Bishop Added. Mission Board and conveyed greetings. themselves for the Mission of God. Moreover, they have handed over “Servanthood” must be driving spirit in seventy-eight Bibles along with a cash Rev. Maxcin John, attitude and actions regarding all cheque worth Rs. One Lakh to purchase Director, Dept. of Mission & Evangelism, missional engagements said Rev. Maxcin more Bibles to distribute in Mission CSI Synod John, Synod Mission Director during the

“Though we are living in the Forest Areas, We too are the Salt and Light to the World”: Missional Voices from Elamplassery Kudy in Idukki.

A Missional Exposure Visit was conducted Since it's far from National Highways and have a notion that “Though we are living on 11th November 2018 to Elamplassery lacking basic infra structure and needs, in the Forest Areas, we too are the salt Mission Field in East Kerala Diocese. Rev. V. people are visibly struggling to meet and light to the World” S. Francis (Mission Director, EKD), Adv. their day to day life. However, people are Mr. Prasad George, Missionary in Mathew Joseph (Registrar, EKD), and Rev. talented, and they have enough Ealamplassery kudy and the Church Maxcin John, Synod Mission Director have potentialities to transform their living Members have extended commendable participated in the Exposure Visit. circumstances, if they can be guided and welcome and hospitality to the exposure supported creatively, sustainably and Elamplassery is the Adivasi-Tribal visit. constructively. Settlement area located in the midst of Rev. Maxcin John, forest area. Majority of the natives are The Visit was an opportunity to learn and Director, Mission & Evangelism, belonging to Tribal community which is listen together regarding missional CSI Synod multi-faith in nature. Agriculture and engagements. It enhanced the Missional daily wages are the basic means of living. Spirit of the people and all could able to

34 December 2018 Dept. of Mission & Evangelism, CSI Synod “The Hour Has Come to Arise and Act for ''Oikumene”: CSI Mission Directors Meet -2018

Chennai: “The Hour has come to arise and Home- 'Oikumene'” strongly emphasized responsibility to all others. We don't act for 'Oikumene'- The Family of God by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Rathnakara confine our Mission to any spots. We which include all” was the dynamic Sadananda, General Secretary, Church of should reach as much as possible. Missional Call and Challenge raised by South India while he was delivering the Preaching to the poor is to share the The Most Rev. Thomas K Oommen, key-Note Address in Directors Meet. He resources. We must raise our prophetic Moderator, Church of South India and further added that Mission is to become voices to the liberation of captives. the Rev. Dr. Daniel Rethnakara part of God's oikumene. It is for all Accompany with captives and stood Sadananda, General Secretary, Church of created beings. Each one has space and strong against the oppressors are equally South India during the CSI Mission room in this home. It is an inclusive home, important, added Rev. Sunil Raj Philip. Directors and Board Members Meet- the home of everybody. There are “Whoever is oppressed, God belongs to them” 2018.It was organized by the Department homeless people and wandering people said Rev. Dr. John Samuel Ponnusamy, of Mission and Evangelism, CSI Synod on still searching for Home and searching Principal, Gurukul Theological Seminary, th st 29 -31 October 2018 at CSI Synod for belongingness. It is the Missional Chennai, during his session based on Centre, Royapettah Chennai. The Meet Challenge to build home among the “Mission in the context of Inter-Faith was based on the theme “Equipping people. Through the Missional activities Context”. One humanity and one Missionaries Towards Building Christ we must empower others to get hope to creation must be our driving focus. Not Communities”. It was also the Training of face their life struggles. Church should be only proclamation, we must witness or Trainers to “Enhance the Capacities of sensible as well as sensitive to the needs live out gospel through our actions and Congregation to Become Missional of the community. Church must be the words. Jesus Christ was always for others Congregation”. center of transformation. Church should and for the whole world without any “The Hour has come to act”, enthusiastically celebrate the liturgy of koinonia in divisions. Therefore, Mission should be prompted by The Most Rev. Thomas streets. We must promote equality. for everybody. Through the Mission, we K.Oommen, Moderator, Church of South Church should make sure dignity and need to promote justice and peace to all India, during the Inaugural Address. He honor of all. It should be everyday the creation, added Rev. John Samuel. experience for everybody. We should be further added that fight against the “We are the channels and mediums to ready to make a home for everybody, darkness is Mission. Mission is love of propagate Gospel of Christ”, said Rev. General Secretary meaningfully added. God. Cross must be the experience of the Christopher Vijayan, NMSI General missional activities. Mission is a search Morning Worship of first day was led by Secretary, in his session on “Towards for our brothers and sisters those who Rev. K. James Cecil Victor, Director, Pastoral Mission Strategies in the Present are living around us. After long decades, Aid Department. A homily was given by Context”. He further added that “strategy India has opened doors for Evangelism. Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director for Synod of Mission is all about our life and the Many evil things are going on as the Communication & Adivasi and Dalit something we have to live out”. Mission power of darkness. So, the hour has come Department. “Amalgamation of love and should be indigenous. We must cherish to act. With much patience and action must be todays Mission” said Rev. the spirt of oneness. We should perseverance, we must engage with the Sunil Raj Philip during his homily based discourage any kind of duplication of agonies and pains of people as well as on Luke 4: 16-21. Mission is all about Missionary activities, rather, we should rest of the creation for the radical crossing boundaries. Not only talking encourage real networking among like- transformation, added Moderator. about Jesus, we need to be with people minded Missional Groups. We are not for “We are invited to become part of God's to witness Jesus Christ through our competition, but for complimenting words and action. Mission is Christian

December 2018 35 each other. Moreover, we should Regional Level and Diocesan Level. to transform the living situations to make participate in the Nation Building Furthermore, Board has approved the the margins as subjects of Mission. God Programs. Church should act as 2017-2022 Mission Agendas and always owns margins. As Missionaries, transformational agent and should be entrusted the Synod Mission Director to we should stand with the margins, Bishop role model to others through credibility implement it in timely manner. Moreover, told. and integrity. Through the 'diakonia', we Board has decided to make political “Equip Missionaries as well as Equip should try to transform our living consciousness among the congregations Congregations are equally important”, said community, Rev. Christopher Vijayan to act and react responsively amid Rev. Asir Ebenezer during his session on added. political as well as social dilemmas. Board “J u s t i c e E m p o we r i n g D i o ko n i a Meeting was presided over by Rt. Rev. J. J. Members have presented the Mission Perspective” (J.E.D.P). He further Christhudoss, Chairman, Department of report of their respective Dioceses. described that Church of South India Mission and Evangelism, Church of South There was a highlight committee to having 4.5 Million Missionaries since the India, Synod. During the presidential highlight the messages of Inaugural Church believing that each member is a address, Bishop underlined that “Mission Address as well as Key Note Address. Rev. missionary. It's the need of the hour to is Church and there is no church without Jacob George, Mission Director in enhance the capacities of the Mission”. Love is the heart of Mission, Madhya Kerala Diocese, Rev. Sebastian congregation to tackle the emerging added Bishop. Rev. Maxcin John, Synod Jethna, Mission Director in Karnataka challenges in their day to day life. By Mission Director has given introductory Southern Diocese, Rev. Pon Prabhakar, upholding the attitude of Jesus Christ, we remarks. He reminded that Church has Mission Director in Madhurai-Ramnad need to address the issues related to no Mission other than Luke 4: 18-19. Diocese and Rev. A. P. Johnson, Mission Land, Migration, Labor, Unemployment, Furthermore, Church has no any Director in Nadyal Diocese have served Political Problems and Climate Changes missional challenges other than Mathew as Highlight Committee Members. They so on. We need to nourish religious 25: 36-46 and Church has no any missional have presented the highlights of tolerance in the pluri-faith context. attitudes other than Philippians 2: 1-6. Moderators and General Secretary's People should have good understanding During the inaugural Session, Department Address based on “The Hour Has Come of their living context and Missionaries of Mission and Evangelism has specially to Arise and Act for God's Oikumene”. In must acquire skills to help people to honored Rev. Christopher Vijayan, NMSI this concern, Board decided to manage their issues of various levels, General Secretary and Rev. Asir Ebenezer, organize meaningful and creative added Rev. Asir. NCCI General Secretary Elect at their Training Programs, Conferences, “Be sensible and sensitive”, told Miss. Nancy great achievement of their new offices. A Retreats, Gatherings, and Seminars for Walter, Nursing Tutor, CMC Vellore during sapling was also planted in the Synod the Missionaries and Evangelists to her session on “Towards Community Compound by the resource persons empower and equip them to address the Health Perspectives”. She further added along with delegates as a Memorial Tree current issues and act accordingly for the that no need to change the messages but of CSI Mission Directors Meet-2018. radical transformation of the whole change the methods. We ourselves community. CSI Synod Mission Board was conducted at become the Gospel. Regarding the role CSI Synod Centre on 29th October 2018 “Struggling for Transformation with the of Missionaries in basic community along with Director's Meet. The Rt. Rev. struggling People is the Mission from the health awareness program, Nancy stated Dr. J. J. Christdoss, Chairman for the Margin”, said Rt. Rev. Dr. Reuben Mark, that it's the role of missionaries those Department of Mission and Evangelism, Bishop in Karimnagar Diocese during his who have working in different fields to CSI Synod has presided the meeting. session on “Mission from the Margin” educate people about basic community Mission Board, after met necessary based on Mathew 25: 36-46. Bishop health. They are supposed to reach to the formalities, discussed about the future further added that margins are the people, provide pre-hospital care and programs and decided to make 2019 as children of God. It's the need of the hour take people to right people and right the year of festival in synod level, to be with their struggles and sufferings place in right time. Help people to

36 December 2018 maintain good standard of living and must reach, visit and bless all people in Morning Worship of the final day was led make them aware about all Government Christ's love. We should ask, how are Rev. Shalu T. Mathew and Rev. Dr. Praveen Health Schemes time to time. In this area, you? and tell others that we are praying Perumala has delivered a homily based Missionaries are supposed to play the for you for their blessing. Jesus was on Philippians 2: 1-6. He reminded that role as enhancer, educator, facilitator and among the people and stood firmly for all Missionaries should imitate the mind guide and counselor as well, Nancy the cause of people, prayed and worked of Jesus Christ and with humility, regard added. for them. Today's Missionaries must others as better and greater than us. Rev. Solomon Paul, Youth Director, CSI imitate the same spirit of Jesus Christ. We Humility of Christ should be basis of our Synod has led the Morning Worship along must proclaim the Gospel unto the end Missionary work which will enable us to with UTC Students on the second day of of the world and our Missionary work reach many without any reservations, meeting and Rev. Dr. L. Jayachitra must be borderless in nature which is added Rev. Dr. Praveen. conducted a homily-based Mathew 25: inclusive and embrace all others. Bible is CSI Directors Meet-2018 were concluded 42-46 in which she emphasized about our only provision. Don't worry about with a closing remark and dedication the 'Spiritual sensation as well as any inconvenience or hurdles, we must service by the leadership of Rt. Rev. Dr. J.J. Emotional sensation'. She stated that make a breakthrough because God is Christdoss in which Bishop emphasized Church always give priority to address with us always. We are the medium of to keep pure and unconditional love to the issues of poor and be with the poor to changes and we are the ambassadors of others in doing Mission. The Rt. Rev.Dr. transform their life situations. Spirit. We are doing Mission not by Vadapally Prasada Rao, Deputy power, but by the power of Spirit. Vision There was a cultural night in which Moderator and Rev. Christopher Vijayan, is important for the Mission. Like St. Paul delegates performed various talents NMSI General Secretary also have joined and Bishop V.S. Azariah, Missionaries through various of art forms. Rev. DSC in closing as well as dedication service. must fill with clear vision about Mission. Menon, Mission Director in Vellore A Three-day CSI Mission Directors Meet Be empowered with spirit. Don't let Diocese has served as Coordinator. along with Synod Mission Board was well yourselves to keep away from the Bible. Cultural Night was inaugurated by Adv. attended and ninety-five participants Bible is our sole provision. It should be C. Robert Bruce, Treasurer, CSI Synod. In including resource persons from twenty- everyday experience in our life. Do not his inaugural address, Adv. Robert Bruce one Dioceses have joined the meeting perplexed before the “red sea” in our life, highlighted that Church of South India is actively and creatively. It was the believe God will pave the clear and the biggest united Missionary Church. constructive program on “Equipping specific way, Deputy Moderator He has commemorated the life and Missionaries Towards Building Christ enthusiastically elucidated through his service of Missionaries who have Communities” and also Trainers of message. commendably contributed their whole Training for “Enhancing Capacities of life selflessly for the development of the The Synod Directors of various Departments Congregation to become Missional Church and the community as such. He presented the department activities and Congregation”. interacted with the delegates regarding the proudly told that nowadays, Church of The Meeting was the venue for learning, life and work of CSI during the session of South India witnessing the Gospel of unlearning and relearning. Furthermore, it Synod Directors Meet. Rev. K. James Cecil Jesus Christ through the life of credibility has provided a common platform for Victor, Director for Pastoral Aid Department, and integrity. learning, listening and sharing together Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director for Director's Meet was concluded by Rt. Rev. towards doing Mission. Communication and Adivasi Dalit Dr. Vadapally Prasada Rao, Deputy Department, Rev. Dr. L. Jayachitra, Director Rev. Maxcin John, Moderator in Church of South India. for Christian Education Department, Director, Dept. of Mission & Evangelism “Visit and Bless All People: Not by power, Rev. Solomon Paul, Director for Youth CSI Synod but by the Spirit” was the crystal-clear Department and Rev. Dr. Praveen Perumala, concluding Message given by the EMS Liaison Officer have attended in the Deputy Moderator. He stated that we Synod Directors Meet.

December 2018 37 Celebrating 75 years of God's faithfulness and ecumenical witness - LAUS DEO (Praise be to God) THE KERALA UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Established 1943 (Affiliated to the Serampore College / University)

Rev. Dr. M.P. Joseph Phone: 0091-471-2443410/2446849 Email: [email protected] Principal Kannammoola, Trivandrum Kerala, India - 695 011 www.kuts.edu.in

The Kerala United Theological Seminary invites application for the post of the Principal of the Seminary from candidates with the required qualifications and experience. The candidates: Should be a presbyter from any one of the C.S.I. dioceses in Kerala with ministerial and parish experience in the Church and must be in good standing with the Church. Should possess an earned Doctoral Degree from one of the internationally reputed institutions in one of the subjects within the theological discipline. Should have at least three years of teaching experience in a recognized theological Seminary/College. The Principal's post will fall from 1st May 2019 and the appointment will be for a period of five years or until retirement, whichever is earlier. The last date for receiving applications along with resume is 25th February 2019.

The application should be addressed to: The Most Revd. Thomas K. Oommen (Moderator of C.S.I., The President of the Seminary Governing Council and The Chairman of the Search Committee) The Kerala United Theological Seminary Kannammoola, Medical College (P.O.) Trivandrum, Kerala 695 011.E-mail: [email protected]

38 December 2018 Green School Training Programme at Trivandrum

Green School Training Programme at Varkala

39 Date of Publication: First week of Every Month CSI Life Monthly English News Magazine posted at Egmore RMS1/Pathrika Channel Registered with Registrar of Newspaper of India No. TNENG/2001/07245 Postal Registration No: TN/CH(C)/267/2018-2020 Licence to Post: WPP No: TN/PMG(CCR)WPP-452/2018-2020

Dalit and Adivasi Youngsters Challenge Caste-Based Discriminations by Equipping Themselves.

40 Edited & Published by Rev. Dr. D. R. Sadananda, General Secretary, Church of South India Synod from CSI Centre, No. 5, Whites Road, Chennai - 600 014. Ph: 2852 1566 / 4166 Managing Editor: Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director, CSI Synod Communications Printed by: N. Raja Singh at Mighty Rock Printers, 52, Nair Varadha Pillai Street, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014. Mob: 99622 02158. Phone: 2860 2158