Episcopal Diocese of Albany - Priests and Deacons Update

Business Office: 68 South Swan Street - Albany, NY 12210 - (518) 465-4737
Christ the King Spiritual Life Center: 575 Burton Road - Greenwich, NY 12834 - (518) 692-9550

Christmas 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“God so loved the world that He gave his only-begotten Son.” No greater message has ever been spoken. No greater gift has ever been given.

The Feast of Christmas is the celebration of that reality. In the middle of the dark winter night may we pause to contemplate and give thanks and praise to God for the great Gift who came down from heaven “for us and for our salvation”.

This year as we gather in our churches to celebrate Christmas, our nation marks eight years of war in distant lands and a growing economic crisis at home and abroad. In the midst of this turmoil and suffering we can look to the Prince of Peace, the only Son who comes to bring peace and joy to our hearts, our lives, our families our communities.

I encourage each of us to open our arms to receive the Christ Child -- the Prince of Peace, and to extend that embrace to our neighbors especially the lonely and the lost. Jesus came for us all. I ask all of us through the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to work to ensure that each parish in the Diocese of Albany is a place of welcome, forgiveness, love and a new beginning to everyone who comes in search of God’s love and forgiveness. May we take time to invite those who share our lives to come and share the true joy of Christmas found in Christ.

Christmas can be a great time of healing and reconciliation if we remember what it is truly about and keep Christ at the center of our celebration and time together. The Christ child in the manger extends His hands, just as the saving Lord Jesus stretched out His hands of love on the hard wood of the cross. May we join our hands to His and welcome neighbor and stranger to the Inn.

I pray that you, your family and all your loved ones have a blessed and joyful Christmas, filled with Christ’s love and peace. I promise to keep you in my daily prayers throughout the coming year. I would be most thankful if you would please keep me and my family in your prayers as well.

In Christ’s Love,

+ William H. Love

Bishop of Albany

Please read at the Service(s) on Sunday December 20 th and/or distribute with the bulletin.

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