Dear reader,
Allow me to begin with a note of thanks to the dedicated staff at The Expositor for their continued news coverage, as well as for the opportunity to share Christmas greetings on behalf of Freshwater Community Church. I continue to be impressed by the space offered by The Expositor’s editorial team for local ministers to share Christmas messages with their readership. Perhaps you find yourself wondering if this is merely a practice from a largely bygone era? A lingering tradition, but one that is tied to broader trends that are ultimately in decline? Or, could it be, that this is about the message that will forever stand at the heart of it all?
The Christmas story itself is about the reporting of good news. Luke the physician—after having done his own careful journalist work (cf. Luke 1:1–4)—records those fateful events in the opening pages of his Gospel. He reports the angel’s announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:10–11: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
While over two millennia have passed since that announcement, this Son of David is in the news again! Earlier this fall CTV news ran a morning segment entitled “Why Gen Z is Leading a Religious Resurgence,” which you can view on YouTube. This segment reports that after decades of decline, the rate of religious attendance in Canada has now leveled off. This developing trend has been led by Gen Z, those born between the years 1997 and 2012, and dubbed by sociologist Jonathan Haidt as “the anxious generation.” It appears this generation is feeling most acutely the weight of the modern world that we all feel, and that this weight is driving them to search for deeper answers. Is there more to life than this? Does God exist? And is there a purpose for my life?
We have witnessed seeds of this resurgence here on Manitoulin Island, and I am delighted to share some good news with you. On Wednesday afternoons we have been running a youth after school program in partnership with Island Community Church (Kagawong) as well as Grace Bible Church (Little Current). Youth arrive as they are able after school, and spend the first two hours playing volleyball, hanging out, or even catching up on some homework. We then share a meal together and afterwards devote an hour to a time of learning and discussion. The openness to faith which our team is witnessing among this earlier generation is remarkable. The group is asking great questions, grappling seriously with Jesus Christ and His teachings, and supporting one another as a community. If you or someone you know is in Grades 6–12, you are warmly invited to join us. The group has paused for the Christmas break but will be starting up on Wednesday, January 7 here at Freshwater Community Church.
Of course, the good news of Christmas is not just for Generation Z! If you are interested in exploring the message of Christ, we’d love to have you join us for our eleven-week Alpha journey where we explore life’s biggest questions from a Christian perspective. Alpha begins on Thursday, February 5 at 5:30pm and is open to all ages. Supper and childcare will be provided.
Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, may the good news of Jesus Christ be made more real to you this year.
Pastor Josh Wilhelm
Freshwater
Community Church, Mindemoya
