November-December 2025 Letter

Written by Rev. Noble Abraham

THE CHRISTMAS ACT: DIVINE DESCENT AND HUMAN ASCENT 

Dear Beloved Bristol Family, 

Christmas greetings and blessings to all in the most precious name of Jesus, the One born for our salvation! 

Christmas reminds us that our God is not distant from us but is instead very close. He is Immanuel. God is with us. Christmas embraces us with the thought that our God became human (descent) so that we, as humans, might grow to become divine and godly creatures (ascent). It challenges us to have the mindset and character of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). 

Sadly, the socio-political-religious scenario in our world today is disturbing and challenging. Christmas always offers a counter-message to the troubling realities we encounter through the media and other sources. It brings hope that peace will prevail throughout the world, just as it did in the manger where baby Jesus was laid. Pope Francis referred to this “peace in the manger” as Silence. This ‘Silence’ is a ‘Narration’. Though silence has no words, it carries a powerful message—a narration of Love that transcends expression. The little baby lying in the manger is an extension of God’s bountiful nature. Are we not challenged to do the same—to express this ‘bountiful nature of God’ both within and beyond ourselves? Do we have a ‘passion for God’? 

If Christmas is all about God doing whatever it takes to be with us (DESCENT), then its challenge is that we do whatever it takes to be with Him (ASCENT). 

This final stretch of 2025 is particularly rich with spiritual significance, guiding us through a tapestry of special Sunday themes that remind us of our identity and mission as the Church. 

A Season of Special Sundays 

  • World Sunday School Day – November 2, 2025: This Sunday, we celebrate the youngest members of our parish, honouring the Sunday School's role in nurturing their faith. It is a time to thank teachers and volunteers and to pray for our children—the future of the Church. 
  • Church Sanctification (Koodosh Eetho) and the Beginning of the Liturgical Year – November 2, 2025: The Season of Annunciation begins with the sanctification of the Church, calling us to holiness. It invites us to reflect on our mission—to make disciples and to seek spiritual and moral transformation. 
  • Festival of the Unity of the Communion of Churches in India (CCI) – November 9, 2025: This Sunday is a powerful expression of the visible unity we share in Christ. We will pray for our sister churches and for all efforts toward Christian unity. 
  • Renewal of the Church (Hudosh Eetho) – November 9, 2025:  This Sunday calls us to embrace the continuous renewal that God brings to His Church. As our physical building is being renewed, so too are we called to be renewed and refreshed by the Holy Spirit—to be active and vibrant in our faith. 
  • Parish Convention 2025 – November 14–16, 2025: We are indeed blessed to have Rev. Abu Cherian, Vicar of Carmel Mar Thoma Church Liverpool, Christos Mar Thoma Church Newcastle, and Sehion Mar Thoma Church Hull & Lincolnshire. Achen is also pursuing his doctoral studies and, God willing, will soon complete his research. Let us seek God’s mighty hand over Abu Achen and his preparations, and pray for a blessed ministration from the Word as we meditate on the theme: “A Journey Towards Transformation” (Romans 12:2). 

Season of Annunciations – Starting November 16, 2025 

  • December 1–25, 2025 – The Advent Season to the Closing of the Year 2025: Beginning with the annunciations to Zechariah and Mary, then to Joseph, and the visitation of Mary and Elizabeth, the Advent Sundays will build with increasing expectation, guiding us closer to the ‘Manger’. The season culminates in the joyful celebration of Christmas—the birth of our Saviour. 

 

Finally, as we come to the end of 2025, let us pause, reflect, and give thanks. This year has been a testament to our collective faith, resilience, and hope. It has been a year of transition and transformation. As we look back, let us remember the grace that has carried us through every challenge and the blessings that have filled our days. May we enter the new year with renewed purpose, steadfast faith, and a spirit of service. 

I look forward to celebrating these significant moments with all of you in our newly refurbished Church. 

With every blessing,  
Yours in His Service, 
Rev. Noble Abraham, 
Vicar, St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Bristol, UK 

 

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