Advent is not only celebrated throughout the world; it has also been celebrated throughout most of the Church’s history. The earliest mention of it is around 480 CE. It was always intended to be a time of remembering the importance of the birth of Jesus, as spoken of in the Gospels. God comes into the world, our world, as Emmanuel (God with us), according to Matthew 1:22-23. This is a great promise! God is with us in our joys and in our struggles. We are not alone as we face challenges, such as thinking about the people of Palestine and Israel, Ukraine, and the many other sites of violence throughout Africa, some in our own neighborhoods where gangsterism, crime, and gender-based violence continue. We are not alone as we continue to struggle with poverty, inequality, and ecological disasters – God is with us!
I am grateful that we can confess this truth for TEE College as well. As you may know, TEE College was started in 1976 to provide quality, contextual, accessible education for women and men throughout Southern Africa. The first chair of our board (then called ‘Council’) was Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Throughout the last 47 years, thousands of people have been inspired, informed, formed, and equipped for ministry and service. Many of our alumni have gone on to become clergy, community leaders – some are even Bishops, moderators, and professors! We are so grateful that you are part of the TEE Community, and we look forward to journeying together in 2024.
TEE continues to offer the highest standards of contextual theological education in South Africa. Our certificates, diplomas, and degrees are constantly being refined and renewed to offer you the best knowledge, skills, and values for faithful life and ministry. We are grateful for the years of fruitful and faithful partnerships with the Ecumenical and Independent Churches of Southern Africa that help to shape and support this work. In 2024, we are making more of our courses electronically available online so that you can study wherever you are. Please keep an eye on our website and social media (Facebook and Instagram) for the latest developments and details.
So, may this be a blessed Christmas and a peaceful and fruitful new year for you, your family, and your community – Christ is with you!