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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2010

Heads of Christian churches in Jerusalem issue Christmas message

Jerusalem | 18.12.2010 | ENS/APD | Ecumenism

The heads of Christian churches in Jerusalem have issued a joint Christmas message for 2010 condemning violence in any form and saying that peace and reconciliation requires the active participation of people of faith.

Full text of the message:

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among all people!" (Luke 2:14)

We, the Heads of the Churches of Jerusalem, share with you in praising God for the birth of the holy child on a cold night in Bethlehem so long ago. We praise God for the faithful examples of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Joseph. We praise God for the shepherds who were first to share the Good News of the Savior's birth. We praise God for the witness of all the heavenly host in their joyous proclamation of God's desire for peace on earth that good will among all people will prevail against the darkness of sin.

Peace continues to elude the world our Lord was born to save. Too many people live under the threat of violence and political persecution. We, the Heads of Churches of Jerusalem, see the role of the Church to be one of encouraging all people to build bridges of understanding and not walls of separation. We condemn violence in any form. Violence has not and can never be accepted as the way to bring about a just and lasting peace between peoples.

We believe that hope for peace and reconciliation requires our active participation as people of faith.

For hope to remain alive in the hearts of the faithful, we must take an active role in bringing hope for peace into reality. To this end, we want to inform you that the Heads of Churches take a serious role in building bridges of peace and reconciliation through our participation in the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land.

This Council brings together Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders to discuss issues of shared concern for our people here and for mutual understanding around the world. We strongly believe that "on earth peace, good will among all people " starts with developing relationships built on mutual respect and understanding. We believe this Council's experience of cooperation and communication is an encouraging example to our people and to the world that in building bridges, God's peace is possible.

Believing, with Mary, that "with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37) we proclaim with the heavenly host this Christmas, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among all people," praising God as we hope for the future of all of God's people.

May God bless the celebration of the Savior's birth this Christmas season. May God bless every effort for peace and may the one and living God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit bless, preserve and keep you, now and always. Amen.

+Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
+Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarchate
+Patriarch Torkom II Manoogian, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate
+Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land
+Archbishop Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem
+Archbishop Swerios Malki Murad, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate
+Archbishop Joseph-Jules Zerey, Greek-Melkite-Catholic Patriarchate
+Archbishop Abouna Matthias, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate
+Archbishop Paul Sayyah, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate
+Bishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East
+Bishop Munib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
+Bishop Pierre Malki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
+Fr. Rafael Minassian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

December 16, 2010

(3572 Zeichen)

Presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church sends Christmas message

New York City, N.Y./USA | 18.12.2010 | ENS/APD | Ecumenism

"For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire." Citing these words from Isaiah 9:5 – included as part of the first lesson for Christmas Eve -- Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori. presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, writes in her 2010 Christmas message, "The coming of this prince of peace will mean the end of all signs of war and violence. An occupied people will finally live in peace, without anxiety about who or what will confront them the next time they go out their front doors."

Full text of the Christmas message:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. —Isaiah 9:2

That's how the first lesson of Christmas Eve opens. It's familiar and comforting, as the familiar words go on to say that light has shined on those who live in deep darkness, that God has brought joy to people living under oppression, for a child has been borne to us. The name of that child is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace — and God is bringing an endless peace through an heir to the throne of David (vv 3, 4, 6, 7).

This year we're going to hear a bit we haven't heard in Episcopal churches before, in that missing verse 5. It's pretty shocking, but it helps explain why the hunger for light is so intense, and the joy so great when it comes: "For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire." The coming of this prince of peace will mean the end of all signs of war and violence. An occupied people will finally live in peace, without anxiety about who or what will confront them the next time they go out their front doors.

People in many parts of this world still live with the echo of tramping boots and the memory of bloody clothing. Many Episcopalians are living with that anxiety right now, particularly in Haiti and Sudan. Americans know it through the ongoing anxiety after September 11 and in the wounded soldiers returning to their families and communities, grievously changed by their experience of war. Remember the terror of war when you hear those words about light on Christmas Eve. Remember the hunger for peace and light when you hear the shocking promise that a poor child born in a stable will lead us all into a world without war. Remember the power of light when you go out into the darkness after hearing those words — and pray that you and those around you may become instruments of peace.

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! —Luke 2:14

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori is presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church.

December 13, 2010

(2717 Zeichen)

Christmas Message 2010 from the World Council of Churches general secretary

Geneva/Switzerland | 18.12.2010 | APD | Ecumenism

Christmas Message 2010 from the World Council of Churches general secretary

The nativity of Jesus Christ is proclaimed by angelic choirs in the heights of heaven, and the joyous news is echoed afterwards by modest shepherds in fields near Bethlehem. Meanwhile, a mother and father care for their newborn child. No place for this family could be found in the inn, so they shelter among livestock. The circumstances are strikingly humble, yet their infant is the occasion of the angels’ song:

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude
of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom God favours!”

Luke 2:13-14

The splendour of Christmas highlights many contrasts in our surroundings. First of all – it is all about what we are given – surprisingly – by God. This revelation of glory in heaven is given to people living off the land, dependent on simple blessings found in fields and farmyards, in caring for sheep and celebrating a new birth. It is they who first hear the promise of so much more than bare survival or the simplest pleasure. They dare to imagine the real possibility of peace on earth. The song of angels encourages them to give glory to God alone and to seek peace with others, far and near.

Conditions in the world today are marked by contrasts at least as great as those in Jesus’ time. Everywhere we see wildly contradictory instances of poverty and wealth, systems of tyranny and of justice, brutal violence and sincere attempts at reconciliation. Through it all, we are keenly aware of the need for a peace worthy of the name: just peace for all.

In this season, and in looking to the New Year, we in the World Council of Churches find encouragement in the potential for seeking peace that is to be afforded in May 2011 at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) in Kingston, Jamaica. Taking as its motto “Glory to God; Peace on Earth”, the IEPC will serve as a culmination of the churches’ Decade for Overcoming Violence (2001-2010) and an occasion to renew our common commitment to the establishment of a just peace among peoples.

We encourage you to make certain your church is participating in the IEPC as all WCC member churches have been invited to send representatives to the convocation. For the World Council of Churches, peace is a vital part of living the fellowship and building Christian unity.

In these days we hear anew the opening accounts in the life of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Our hearts and spirits are refreshed once more. In response, we rededicate ourselves to the praise of God in highest heaven and to our ministries of peace on earth.

May the blessing of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you always.

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General secretary,
World Council of Churches

December 13, 2010

(2863 Zeichen)

Ecumenical Christmas Letter of the Archbishop of Canterbury

London/UK | 18.12.2010 | APD | Ecumenism

In his ecumenical Christmas letter to the heads of other Churches and Christian world communions (CWC’s), the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, urges Christian leaders to affirm their faith in God’s action and presence, and to offer support and advocacy to fellow Christians, as well as people from other faiths. The Archbishop speaks of the significance of international events leading to a renewed awareness of the Body of Christ:

“In early November we had shocking news of atrocities against Christians in Iraq, and the whole Christian world prays and grieves with that small and courageous community living in daily danger. Regular reports reach us in the West of terrible atrocities against children in the war-torn lands of Congo, Sudan and other places. Every time such an outrage occurs, we are recalled to the reality of our involvement in the Body of Christ; when any member suffers, the whole Body suffers (I Cor 12.26)”

He also speaks of the importance of unity when faced with oppressive and dangerous circumstances, encouraging relationships between believers of all faiths to be strengthened through shared experience:

“We are called to daily involvement in prayer and advocacy for all our fellow-Christians in situations of oppression and danger – and all their neighbours too, of whatever belief, since the evils of violence and tyranny are not felt by Christians alone, nor can their sufferings be isolated from those of their neighbours. We are called to discover all the various ways in which we may express that solidarity. And we are humbled and gladdened by the fact that their courage and generosity in witness is God’s gift to all of us; their clear and brave service to the faith, even to the point of death, helps us grow and become firmer in our own faith. ”

The Archbishop concludes his letter by urging solidarity with those facing adversity, drawing parallels between modern life and the time of Christ:

“At this season, let us thank God for the birth of the Word in a human body and soul, the birth which made it possible for us to be united once again with the life of God in unending communion. And let us resolve to live out that life of communion each day in our solidarity with, and our work for, all who live today in the shadow of the same kind of tyranny that threatened the life of Jesus himself.”

“To all who share the care of the churches of God and all their people I wish the blessings and joys of this holy Season.”

Full text of the Archbishop’s letter:

Dear Friends in Christ

“They were given a warning in a dream not to go back to Herod.” (Matt 2.12).

As soon as Our Lord is born, he is caught up in the terror and violence of our world. The wise men, without meaning to, prompt a tyrant to an act of dreadful barbarity. The life of the Incarnate Word of God is never to be spared the risk of suffering and death. Recalling the Massacre of the Innocents (on 28 December in the West) we affirm our faith that God’s action and presence are to be found in the darkest places of the world, alongside those who are exposed to pain and death.

In October during a pastoral visit to the churches of our Communion in India, I listened to a Christian from Orissa describe the murder of her husband as a result of his refusal to abandon his faith in Jesus Christ. In early November we had shocking news of atrocities against Christians in Iraq, and the whole Christian world prays and grieves with that small and courageous community living in daily danger. Regular reports reach us in the West of terrible atrocities against children in the war-torn lands of Congo, Sudan and other places. Every time such an outrage occurs, we are recalled to the reality of our involvement in the Body of Christ; when any member suffers, the whole Body suffers (I Cor 12.26).

But this in turn should rekindle our awareness of the positive reality of the Body, and the call and gift of God that comes with membership of the Body. Each of us is at every moment supported by every other through the life of the Body of baptised believers. Each of us is being fed and nourished by the Lord through this fellowship. And each of us is summoned to solidarity with all our brothers and sisters in prayer and action.

So we are called to daily involvement in prayer and advocacy for all our fellow-Christians in situations of oppression and danger – and all their neighbours too, of whatever belief, since the evils of violence and tyranny are not felt by Christians alone, nor can their sufferings be isolated from those of their neighbours. We are called to discover all the various ways in which we may express that solidarity. And we are humbled and gladdened by the fact that their courage and generosity in witness is God’s gift to all of us; their clear and brave service to the faith, even to the point of death, helps us grow and become firmer in our own faith.

Christ took a human body at Bethlehem so that he should always have a Body on earth. The body in the cradle is the first moment of the continuing life of the Mystical Body in which we learn how to be sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father and how to bring his love alive in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Bethlehem is the foundation for our mutual love and giving, and the responsibility we have for one another. And so it does not just inspire love, it makes love possible and actual in our world. Through our share in the Body, we are daily nourished in life and love, most especially when we celebrate our union in the Body through sharing in the Holy Eucharist.

At this season, let us thank God for the birth of the Word in a human body and soul, the birth which made it possible for us to be united once again with the life of God in unending communion. And let us resolve to live out that life of communion each day in our solidarity with and our work for all who live today in the shadow of the same kind of tyranny that threatened the life of Jesus himself.

To all who share the care of the churches of God and all their people I wish the blessings and joys of this holy Season.

Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

December 14, 2010

(6169 Zeichen)

Christmas Message 2010 of the General of The Salvation Army

London/UK | 19.12.2010 | APD | Ecumenism

NO ROOM FOR THEM IN THE INN

Every Christmas we are reminded of the innkeeper who turned Mary and Joseph and their baby away. We do not know his name, but we do know he tried sincerely to make amends by at least offering space with the animals.

Luke's Gospel records 'there was no room for them in the inn' (Luke 2:7 New International Version). The main accommodation was packed out, due to the national census under which all citizens were required to return to their places of origin in order to be registered.

'Have you any room for Jesus?' asks the old gospel hymn. Poets and hymnwriters down through the years have found in this sacred birth narrative much to inspire them. They picture the holy family outside the inn, seeking admission, and find in that image a powerful metaphor applicable to us all still today. Another writer urges us to offer Christ 'the best of rooms', with the final words of the song affirming softly that 'the best of rooms' is 'the heart'.

Jesus still knocks! Still he awaits admission! Long ago I heard that knocking sound upon the door of my heart. I was very young, but I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt the identity - and even the name - of the One standing outside. I had seen the famous painting known as The Light of the World by Holman Hunt. It depicts Jesus with a shining lantern as he stands outside a door seeking admission. It is the door of my heart and it has no handle on the outside. Only from the inside can I open it and let the Master in. How glad I am there was a day when I did just that.

I wonder what would happen were the Lord Jesus to arrive suddenly in our midst. Where would he stay? Some of us would rush to reserve for him the plush, luxurious presidential suite in the best hotel in town. Others, not knowing him and thus unable to recognise him, might try to run him out of town. What about you? How would you respond? 'Come home with me, Lord,' you could say. He would like that, but as you walk along together he would in all probability be saying, 'You know, child, all I seek is your loving heart. Can you make space for me there?'

Can you? Have you done so? If not, do it now. He is the most gracious of guests.

General Shaw Clifton
of The Salvation Army

(2217 Zeichen)

Baptist World Alliance: Christmas Message 2010

Falls Church, Virginia/USA | 19.12.2010 | APD | Ecumenism

It is the season of joy! Treasure the opportunity you have to listen to the beautiful music. Share the rich warmth of family and friendship. Offer gifts to friends, loved ones and people in need. Echo the refrain, ’Tis the most wonderful time of the year!

Yet, step back from the glitter and glamour so evident in some places during these days and take one good long look at the image of the child in the manger. Does it not provide a powerful stimulus for us to revisit the nature of powerlessness?

This child is wrapped in the robes of mystery. This tiny child is God made flesh before our very eyes. He is omnipotence wrapped in strips of cloth, omnipresence placed to a drinking trough for animals, omniscience confined to a bed of straw!

This little child finds common cause with those who have no place to lay their weary head. At his birth, the trappings of nobility are nowhere to be seen; the signs of privilege have disappeared into oblivion.

The child in the manger is an object lesson in the mystery of powerlessness!

The time would come when this powerless child of Bethlehem would be recognized as the Savior of the world. Whether he was lying in a manger or hanging from a cross, he would appear to be a victim of circumstance, a person to be pitied, and a model of helplessness.

Yet, true power is absent unless it shines forth through the wrappings of powerlessness. Real self emptying and self denial are possible only for those who truly know the power of God. A life of sacrificial service rendered with joy is the only option for those who come to know the powerlessness of the Christ child.

This powerlessness is not to be confused with the helplessness that knows nothing but the misery of desperation. It is instead the submissiveness that consists in voluntary entrance into the community of the homeless poor in order to transform it into a seedbed of rich possibilities. This is the powerlessness that knows the trenches, sits at ease with the dispossessed, and enjoys the company of those pushed to the periphery of society.

What we see in the manger and what we celebrate at Christmastime is the awesome power of powerlessness! When we experience this powerlessness, the Holy Spirit empowers us to truly become the servant of all. Then, through the service we render, we can help transform the world. The little baby in the manger is a powerful sign of God manifesting the divine love that opens the way to life for all the world. He became poor so that we, through his poverty, might become rich (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9).

Neville Callam
BWA General Secretary
© Baptist World Alliance

December 14, 2010

(2624 Zeichen)

2010 Christmas Messages from Australian Church Leaders

Sydney/Australia | 21.12.2010 | APD | Ecumenism

The following brief Christmas messages from many of Australia’s churches are shared with you in this final week of Advent 2010.

A message of peace for all

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favours!” (Luke 2:13-14)

The announcement of Jesus’ birth was not to the powerful or the mighty but to the poor shepherds on a cold hillside outside of Bethlehem. They must have wondered what was happening when the multitude of angels broke the silence of the night.

For the people in those days suffering the oppression of Roman rule this announcement was for God’s new age where peace may be embraced and God’s presence known.

In the present age the message of the angels still needs to be proclaimed. As the church we still need to meet the poor and the needy who live on the edge of our society. The message of peace is as much for them as anyone else.

May the Christmas message ring out across our nation, and God’s new age where justice can be embraced by all be heard afresh.

The National Council of Churches in Australia extends a Christmas greeting to the churches and the Australian community. May the message of peace proclaimed on the hills outside Bethlehem fill our hearts, our worship our community and our world.

The Reverend Tara Curlewis, General Secretary
National Council of Churches in Australia

(NB. In the Western Church, Christmas is celebrated on December 25. Most Orthodox Churches will celebrate the Feast of the Nativity on January 7.)

(1602 Zeichen)

Christmas & New Year's Message from Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, CEO / Secretary General

| 21.12.2010 | APD | Ecumenism

On behalf of the World Evangelical Alliance's global family of 600 million Christians, I bring you warm Christmas greetings.

As we celebrate the coming of our Lord to earth 2000 years ago we are reminded that Jesus, God's Son is Emmanuel – God with us. What a wonderful truth this name reveals.

He, the living Son of God is among us in a world filled with pain, conflict, and heartache, . In spite of our many failings, God is alive and empowering His people around the world to be instruments of love and compassion through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit.

As I have travelled the world this year on behalf of our global family, I have seen that presence of God in lives of women and men living out their faith.

The glorious reality of the first Christmas - that God is with us - continues today in every nation of the world.

As a follower of Jesus, no matter what your circumstances, Jesus is with you. I want to encourage you to live in the light of this truth. And I warmly invite all those still on a journey towards a relationship with the God of history, to put their trust in Jesus Christ, the one who is called Emmanuel.

As we enter this New Year, it is my prayer that followers of Jesus will be "Good News" people in a world often filled with bad news - that Christians will be seen as grace-filled, compassionate individuals living out the hope of Gospel in communities of faith which are seeking justice for all.,

May you experience the blessings of God for this season and the New Year.

With much joy in Christ,

Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe
Secretary General/CEO
World Evangelical Alliance

December 21, 2010

(1611 Zeichen)
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