“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
By Rev. Canon Val Kenyon
AS WE APPROACH Christmas and the turning of the year, the story of God’s coming to us in Jesus invites us to pause and wonder.
This pausing and wondering are central to our time in all of our Education for Ministry (EfM) weekly gatherings. We explore what our faith looks like as it becomes real in our daily lives. Just how do our ideas about God relate to our experience? How does learning lead to and influence our actions; and just how do all the stories, ancient and new, shape who we are and who we are becoming?
Christmas, in many ways, is the heart of that exploration: God choosing to dwell among us, in the ordinary rhythms of human life.
The birth of Christ reminds us that learning and ministry begin in humility — in a manger, not a palace. It also invites us to look for God’s presence in unexpected places: in the classroom, around the kitchen table, or in the small acts of care we offer one another. EfM provides space for this kind of discovery — where reflection and conversation help us see how faith continues to take flesh in our world today.
As well, as the New Year begins, EfM challenges us to renewal. It calls us not only to learn more about God, but to live more with God — to bring our questions, hopes, and doubts to the table, trusting that all of it can lead to deeper understanding and faithful action.
So, as we sing the familiar carols, light candles and make resolutions, may we remember that who we are becoming as disciples of Jesus is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Christ’s birth is a promise that God is with us — Emmanuel — guiding our learning, renewing our spirits, and calling each of us to minister in the world with hope, courage, and joy.
Why not be bold in 2026 and make looking into an EfM group part of your new year? If you’re curious about Education for Ministry or thinking about joining a group in the coming year, we’d love to welcome you! If you need more information, please just reach out to, Libi Clifford, the Diocese of Huron EfM Coordinator or me Val Kenyon at EFM@huron.anglican.ca
Rev. Canon Dr. Val Kenyon is EFM Animator in Huron.