Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

A Blessed Christmas to You

By

Christmas greetings from the Planning Committee of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference. We pray that God will bless you and your church as you celebrate the coming of our Savior Jesus.

Some years ago there were gloves that were advertised in the USA as “one-size-fits-all.” These gloves were made of stretchy material, so they could fit every hand—from a toddler up to the largest adult.

Similarly, it can be said that our Savior Jesus is “one-size-fits-all.” Jesus fits perfectly the needs of every human being—no matter where they live or what their skin color is; no matter how wealthy, old, or intelligent they are.

Jesus fits the needs of every human being because everyone needs the forgiveness of sins. We all have inherited a sinful nature and fall short of God’s holy law in thought, word, and action—for which we deserve God’s punishment now on earth and for eternity in hell.

Jesus provides the forgiveness of sins that we all need. The apostle John writes: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). “He [Jesus Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

So—no matter what our Christmas foods or traditions may be—we all have the same reason to celebrate: We know that God loves us and has sent his Son to pay for our sins. God’s gift of his Son Jesus is a gift where “one-size-fits-all.”

At this time of year, we think of all of you around the world with whom we are united in our Lutheran Christian faith, and we are thankful for you. In the midst of our world with all its problems, we pray that you will find joy in the Christmas message again this year. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Thomas P. Nass, on behalf of the CELC Planning Committee

P.S. Last July and August we began sending “CELC News Briefs,” and then we encountered some problems that caused us to stop temporarily. We hope to start these “CELC News Briefs” again in January, so please look for that!

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies, committed to the teachings of the Lutheran Church found in the Book of Concord of 1580. Established in 1993 with thirteen churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to include thirty-four church bodies today.

Every three years, representatives from CELC churches gather for fellowship and theological study at an international convention. Regional meetings are held in alternate years. These gatherings provide spiritual encouragement for confessional Lutherans who often find themselves quite isolated. Visitors are always welcome at these gatherings

Joint work of the CELC includes the writing of The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century, which testifies to the unity of doctrine enjoyed by CELC churches. The CELC also has a commission to help coordinate and improve theological training in CELC churches.

Speaking about the heart and core of the CELC, former President Gaylin Schmeling wrote:  “The CELC stands ready to give answer to the confident hope of salvation in Christ that is within us. It is a refuge for those seeking confessional homes and a beacon shining the light of the Gospel in a sin-darkened world. Here the central truth of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, continues to be proclaimed. We are declared righteous by nothing we do or accomplish, but alone on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work which is counted as ours through faith in the Savior. He accomplished salvation for all on the cross and announced it to all by His resurrection, declaring the whole world righteous in Christ. This treasure is brought to us personally through the means of grace and is received by faith alone in the Savior which is worked through those very means of grace.”

Recording of the Ninety-Five Theses

Ninety-Five Theses for the 21st Century