10 January 2024

May God be merciful to us and bless us, show us the light of his countenance and come to us. ~ Psalm 67:1

Beloved,

There is so much I have come to know and experience among you for which I am most grateful. The love of God expressed in worship and song, the light of Christ’s countenance visible in your gracious hospitality, and your warm welcome of my family and me. We are deeply blessed by your kindness. Your faith is a true manifestation of God’s presence living and at work in the world. For all this and more, Keeva and I want to express our gratitude.

Now we say with the Apostle, “We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing, (and increasingly visible).” ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:3.

As we move through the season of Epiphany, I am also grateful for the light of Jesus Christ that promises to illuminate our path as we live into our life together as the Diocese of Arkansas. We have compelling work before us but none of us can do that work alone. We need each other and the light of Christ’s wisdom. However, we should bear in mind that Epiphany is not only about light and manifestation, but it is also about hospitality. The visitation of the magi (the Wisemen) and their gifts to the Christ child, and Mary’s own openness and availability to them, an emptying of herself, is as divine as God’s availability to us. The hospitality Keeva and I have experienced is holy and wholesome in a way that is befitting of the people of God and the community of faith. God is indeed here with us, and we are much delighted to make our home among you, the people of God.

With blessings for Epiphany, I am,

+John Harmon
Bishop of Arkansas