Dearly beloved in Christ,

On a wintry day, a man noticed that someone had thrown a sheaf of grain on the ground, and a flock of hungry sparrows had monopolized it for an unscheduled feast. The man paused, and took a step in their direction. The birds became uneasy, and with another step and the birds suddenly flew away, leaving their banquet unfinished. The man went back to his house. Then the sparrows came back again and restarted the feast. Then another sparrow came to join their group. The sparrows were not frightened and did not fly away. The man stood there reflecting on what had happened. Why were those sparrows scattered in flight as he came by, and why they didn't fly away when another sparrow came? At once, the thought came to him; it is me. I am too big. They were frightened at my size and were not when other sparrow joined, because it was one among them.

He saw a spiritual analogy immediately. God had approached Abraham through heavenly messengers. He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. In both cases those men were afraid. But centuries later the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and announced: "Fear not, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a savor, who is Christ the Lord." God came in human form when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. All who trust him can be fearless and can find renewed strength for every need. The birth of Christ gives a new meaning to the name Immanuel. "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel" - Wesley.

As we are entering in to 2012, let us be filled with the message that the human face of God, Immanuel, is with us, to be in our midst, in our sorrows and in our struggles. So, let us face the new days of the New Year with out fear. Year 2012 is welcoming us with great responsibilities. We are hosting the national youth leadership conference in the first week. We need more dedicated leaders for our church. Please pray for the conference and make sure everyone's participation in this event. Pray for the Maramon convention 2012. Also, I request your prayers for the Orlando Marthoma Church which is our daughter. As we are approaching the lent season, let us prepare to have a meaningful and disciplined Christian life.

One more financial year has come to a close. I take this time to express thanks to all of our office bearers, committee members and all those who had contributed to the affairs of the parish and organizations in various ways in the year 2011. May God bless you all with His rewards for your efforts. With warm wishes for a happy new year,

John Kuruvilla achen
St. Mark's Mar Thoma Church
11029 Davis Road, Tampa, FL 33637
www.stmarksmtctampa.org