December – ’tis the season! From beginning to end, whether we intend it or not, this month is all about Christmas.

Yes, our society has commercialized and secularized the Christmas season. And yet, still, all around us we see reflections of our Lord’s birth. Here on campus, glittering lights remind us that Jesus, the Light of the World, has come into the world. The manger scene outside the chapel proclaims His birth in Bethlehem, flanked by Mary, Joseph and shepherds. The star illumined atop Luther Tower recreates the wondrous star that led the magi to the King of the Jews!

What a beautiful story that we keep telling and telling and telling. The Son of God, who was begotten of the Father’s love before the world began, was also born of Mary, in Bethlehem, in the days of Caesar Augustus. Because God loved you and the whole world, He sent us a Savior.

An angel announced this to shepherds that night. And after he announced it, 10,000 angels joined him, praising God in a chorus that those shepherds surely never forgot! The church throughout all the world and all the ages has joined in this song.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13–14 ESV)

This song resounds in the heart of every Christian. And this song reminds us why Concordia Seminary exists, and what we are aiming at in all our efforts here — to bring glory to our God and Savior, and to bring the peace and hope of His salvation to many. This is the vocation of our graduates, and we thank God for the many ways in which your lives echo the angels’ words.

’Tis the season. A busy and sometimes stressful season, that’s true. But this December, let us serve one another and serve with one another with joy – with the angels’ song ringing in our hearts – in everything we do. I thank God for each one of you and for the joy of serving together in Christ’s name!

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:7–11 ESV).

A blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas!

In Christ’s love,
Thomas Egger
President