Bishop's Post
December 2025 / January 2026

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38–39)
As we celebrate the Christmas season and approach a new year, we are reminded of the deep assurance that lies at the heart of our faith: nothing can ever separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus. Life is often uncertain and demanding, but God’s love remains constant—stronger than fear, failure, or the unknown. This truth brings peace to anxious hearts and gives us courage to step into the future with confidence and hope.
By God’s grace alone, we are forgiven, renewed, and set free. Grace is not a reward for what we have done; it is the transforming gift of God’s mercy and love. It changes how we see ourselves and how we live. Because we are loved and accepted by God, we no longer need to prove ourselves or earn our worth. Instead, we are freed to live joyfully and to act out of love rather than fear.
This grace empowers us to become instruments of God’s love in the world—to forgive as we have been forgiven, to serve and to love others with the same openness and compassion that Christ has shown to us. Grace and love are not passive; they move us into action, shaping our relationships, our communities, and the way we engage with the world.
The birth of Christ is a great sign of this transforming grace. In Jesus, God came near to us—entering our human story and bringing light into our darkness. He came not to condemn but to redeem, not to demand but to give. As His followers, we are called to reflect this same love: to be people of peace, reconciliation, and hope in every place God has put us.
May the joy of Christ’s coming fill your homes and hearts this Christmas. And as we enter 2026, may we live each day in the power of God’s grace—trusting fully in His unbreakable love, walking in freedom, and sharing that love boldly and generously with all whom we meet.
Theo Jäckel

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                 News from NELCSA
We give thanks to Retired Pastors Georg Scriba and Werner Harms for their faithful service in the Winterton Congregation during its vacancy. Their pastoral care, and commitment to the congregation have been a true blessing. Their period of service in this congregation will conclude at the end of 2025, and we express our appreciation for their willingness to serve during this transitional period.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to Pastor Dr. Detlev Tönsing for his many years of faithful service in our church in numerous positions and capacities, and especially for his recent years of leadership in the St. Peters Congregation, Pretoria. We are thankful for his willingness to extend his service for several additional months in the now pastorally vacant congregation, providing continuity and care during this time of transition.
This year, our sister church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), celebrates 50 years of unity, faithful witness, and grace. The Golden Jubilee will take place from 18–21 December 2025 in Tlhabane, Rustenburg, where ELCSA’s Constitution was originally signed in 1975. As NELCSA, we thank God for ELCSA’s journey and invite all our members to join in celebrating this milestone. The programme includes worship, historical reflection, music, and festivities, concluding with a rally on 21 December at Olympia Park Stadium.

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