Bishop Jack Lumanog – “it’s not *always* the most wonderful time of the year”

Jack Lumanog
The Blue Mass at The Cathedral of St. Philip’s in Atlanta. Photo: Bishop Jack Lumanog

Can I be honest? Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year for me. No matter what the song says.

Am I denying the gift of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Absolutely not.

But, the stress and pressure of the time of the year. The shopping. The lists. The expectations. And on top of all of that, for me, it’s the grief.

“Grief that is not transformed is transmitted.” – Father Bill Harkins at the Blue Mass.

I’m so glad I went to the Blue Mass. The contemplative liturgy and carols in St. Mary Chapel was just what I needed to get some perspective about my pain and grief in this holy season.

The Right Rev. Dr. Jon I. “Jack” Lumanog is an Anglican Bishop in good standing with the Apostolic Communion of Anglican Churches and the leader of The Anglican Diocese of St. Ignatius Loyola, overseeing clergy and congregations in the United States, South Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia. A pastor and evangelist at heart, Dr. Jack Lumanog has planted, revitalized and led churches, traveling extensively around the world to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He served as a denominational leader for eight years, providing executive-level oversight for more than 1,000 congregations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Dr. Lumanog is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in Management at Harvard University through the Harvard Extension School. He is an accomplished corporate strategist with extensive experience leading high-impact clinical projects for a Fortune 20 healthcare company.