Beloved Friends in Christ,

When it comes to the book of Revelation, many people-even many mature Christians-are intimidated. The book, they say, is foreboding and difficult to understand. It is a book that many believe contains a detailed and sinister account of world events from the time of Christ to the end of time.

The truth, however, about the Revelation of St. John is that, within its mysterious symbolism, there exists a simple message intended to offer courage to weary Christians. The reality is that this last book of the Bible proclaims the same brief message of hope several times over through a series of parallel stories. And the message is this: Although God's people will face hard times, the ultimate triumph will be Christ's.

This message was originally written for late first century Christians who were facing dark times of persecution. Their faith was being tested. The book of Revelation was written to encourage them to persevere in the faith, for, in spite of what may have felt like defeat, the victory would be theirs.

During the year of 2006, we at St. Paul's thankfully did not experience persecution. Our congregation was free to carry on its ministry unhindered. As a result, in just the last few months of the year, we took on the role of mother church for a new Lutheran mission in Guelph, new hymnals were purchased and paid for, and an enthusiastic initial response to our Accessibility & Enhancement project was experienced. Does that mean that the book of Revelation contains no relevant message for us today?

Hardly!

Christians today are struggling every bit as much to persevere in the faith as Christians of the first century. Throughout Canada, the number of the faithful is shrinking, with those who remain true to Christ engaged in what at times feels like a futile struggle against moral apathy and outright godlessness.

How easy it is therefore for us, like the Christians of the first century, to become disheartened. But the inspired message of St. John's Revelation remains the same. Although God's people will face hard times, the ultimate triumph is Christ's. Let us therefore take courage and not grow weary.

And let us evaluate the year of 2006 in the light of that blood-bought victory. I believe that the year gone by was a good one!

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey