Dean Harlan’s 2023 Christmas Letter

Dear Cathedral Family,

I don’t always enjoy the shorter days and the gray skies that come with this time of year. Yet, it’s worth paying attention to what happens to our mood, our thought processes, our sense of self as we live in December with its ever-shortening days and harsh weather. This sense of terrestrial darkness is precisely why we celebrate the Incarnation right around the shortest day of the year. It provides a deliberate contrast between what we’re doing spiritually and what we are living temporally.

Indeed, as important as the light of the sun is to us, the light of the presence of Jesus truly brings us life. What an astounding proposition we proclaim: that the Son of God dwells right here with and within us to bring us light and life in the face of darkness and doubt. We definitely need the light of our faith to shine in and through us. We need to draw close, to sing, to pray, and to share the Eucharist, surrounded by light and beauty. It is a source of strength and courage to face darkness wherever and however we encounter it, to be light and enlightenment in whatever corners of the world we inhabit.

So, I hope each and every person will join in our Advent and Christmas observances—in person and online. We have so much to celebrate in our Cathedral community this year. I can definitely sense light piercing through the darkness and shining brightly in so many ways. Our worship and other programs will fill each of us with the hope of this season and the delight of our relationships with one another in community. Please find our Advent and Christmas schedule on our website so you can plan to join us.

And, as our calendar year closes, I ask you prayerfully to consider remembering the Cathedral in your year-end giving plans. Fulfilling a pledge, making a gift over and above a pledge, or making a new gift to support our common life will enable that light to shine out from this place in the neighborhood, online, and beyond. This ministry needs and celebrates every single gift, whatever the size. I like to remind us that if we are being faithful to our call, we always have more work, more service, than we have resources. Our Vestry, staff, and volunteers are ready to feed more hungry people, make more joyful music, teach the faith in various forums, welcome even more people into our community. Your support of our shared mission is crucial and greatly appreciated.

So, I look forward to celebrating the Light of Christ in this City of Light with you — our first Christmas in Paris together! What a joy it will be to worship, sing, and share a sacred meal as God’s Beloved Community in Christ. May the promise of this season fill you with light and joy. Merry Christmas!

Peace,

James+