December 24, 2008
Dear Christian Friends,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
“There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14
We just arrived home from church this evening, as our family attended lessons and carols at All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi. It was an absolutely beautiful service, and the message was very clear: “In the beginning was the Word…” Yes, the incarnation of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is what it is all about.
As Holy Scripture says, Jesus came for the world – the whole world, and this message was underscored throughout the service. Not only were there readings by Africans and Brits alike, there were carols sung in six different languages or dialects: British English, French, Latin, Kiswahili, Calypso and an African-American spiritual. It was across the board, and the point was well taken.
As we reflect on 2008, we realize it has been a tough year for Kenya. The beginning of the year was marred by political and ethnic violence. Inflation has run amuck, and an on-going food shortage has made life very difficult for most folks here. Currently, we are under-going a gasoline shortage (for what we reason we are not sure) that is hampering everyone’s ability to travel. Unfortunately, the average Kenyan isn’t aware of the economic storm that will eventually reach Kenya, as it has the rest of the world.
Yet in spite of all this, we have our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we sung “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” this evening, the words “tidings of comfort and joy” truly stuck with us. It is the knowledge that Jesus is indeed with us that allows us to make it through these tough times. But not only is He with us, he give us the opportunity to become his children, all of us, from no matter where on Earth we come, and for these things we are eternally grateful.
And because he is with us, he has allowed us to have a remarkably successful year. Our family is healthy and happy. The children are doing well in school. We are looking forward to our two interns Michael and Rebecca Rhodes joining us in January. Several of our projects are doing very well, and the mission work is expanding. All in all, it has been a very good year for the Tipton family, as we go forward with the knowledge that Jesus is willing to guide us every step of the way – “Glory to the newborn King!”
Therefore, we would like to leave you with this blessing this evening: Christ, who by His incarnation gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill you with His joy and peace: And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
Horace, Anne, Horace, Jr., and Mary Shea
