November 28, 2025 
Dear friends, 
Advent greets us with its quiet invitation: wait, watch, prepare. In the lengthening nights and the snow, we are reminded of our need for light, hope, and warmth. And into this waiting world comes the promise of Emmanuel, God with us. 
At the heart of our faith is this astonishing truth: God has come close. Not in power and splendour, but in the vulnerability of a child. Jesus entered the world in humility, to walk among us, to share our joys and sorrows, to show us the fullness of God's love. This is what we mean when we speak of the Incarnation, God taking flesh in Christ and dwelling with us. 
Advent teaches us that the way God leads is also the way we are called to live. Leadership in the kingdom of God is not about titles or control, but about presence, compassion, and hope. Each of us, whether bishop, priest, deacon, or lay disciple is invited to practice what we might call incarnational leadership: 

•    To be truly present to others, as Christ is present to us.
•    To live with humility, remembering that God's power is made perfect in weakness.
•    To nurture hope, even in difficult days, pointing to the light that no darkness can overcome.
•    To love with patience and sacrifice, walking alongside our neighbours with open hands and hearts.

This is not a task for some distant future; it is our Advent work today. As the candles of the Advent wreath grow brighter each week (hope, peace, joy, and love) may our lives also shine with the light of Christ, for our families, our parishes, and our communities. My prayer is that this holy season draws us closer to Jesus, who is both our Saviour and our Shepherd. May we find comfort in his nearness, strength in his love, and courage to reflect his presence wherever we are called. 

In the sure hope of Christ's coming, 

Bishop Naboth (Rupert's Land)

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