Sermon for Midnight Eucharist
Cathedral Church of St George the Martyr
The Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba
Archbishop of Cape Town
Christmas Eve 2023
Monday, 25 December 2023
Sunday, 24 December 2023
Wednesday, 20 December 2023
Ad Laos - To the People of God – Christmas 2023
Dear People of God
We celebrate the Advent of the Prince of Peace this year in
violent and distressing conditions – war in the Holy Land, Sudan
and Ukraine, to name but a few, and tough economic times at home.
The siege of Gaza has led many to call for a “Black Christmas” in
Bethlehem, where Jesus was born and which, being on the West Bank
of the Jordan River, has in recent weeks experienced an upsurge of
conflict and killings associated with the fighting in Gaza.
During our own struggle against oppression, when people were being
killed in many of our townships in the 1980s, we also discussed
observing a Black Christmas, curtailing our celebrations out of
respect for those who were suffering. At that time, we drew a
clear distinction between boycotting the secular, profit-making
commercial celebration of the season – which was appropriate to
the times – and our celebration in church of the birth of our
Saviour and Redeemer – which we continued to insist upon.
Nevertheless, the clear distinction we draw as Anglicans between
the Season of Advent and the Season of Christmas can help us
respond appropriately to the demands of our time. Advent, which we
are observing now, is a time of reflection, of contemplation, as
we prepare for the coming of our Lord. So this Advent season, let
us focus our prayers, our giving and our concern on those who
suffer, whether it is the poorest of the poor in our own
communities and country, or those around the world driven from
their homes, displaced from their communities, tending to the
wounded and mourning the dead.
Then, in Anglican tradition, let us begin the Season of Christmas
when it should begin, on Christmas Day, by joyfully celebrating
the birth of him who is the hope of the world, more especially in
times of darkness and despair.
A blessed, peaceful and very happy Christmas to each and every one
of you!
††Thabo Cape Town
Sunday, 17 December 2023
Sermon preached at the Funeral of the Rt Revd Adam Andrease Mallane Taaso
Funeral of the Rt Revd Adam Andrease Mallane Taaso
Diocese of Lesotho
Tsehlanyane, Leribe District: Butha Buthe
Preacher and President
The Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba
Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of ACSA
16th December 2023
Readings: Isaiah 53: 8 -10; Psalm 23; Romans 8: 31 – 38; Luke 14: 15 – 23
May I speak in the name of God the Father, who by the power of the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from death to life, that we might be called to our eternal home, a place that he has prepared for us with joy, the God whom Bishop Adam so dearly loved.
Your Majesty, your Ministers present, dear sisters and brothers in Christ; dear Mrs Taaso (Me' Mats'epo), your children and grandchildren, your families and friends, dear colleagues and guests from far and near. It is with great sadness that we gather here today to offer our condolences to Me' Mats'epo, your family and the wider Diocese and community on the passing of Ntate Adam, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a colleague, a friend, and a Bishop in God’s church.