December 17, 2011

2011 Christmas message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

December 15, 2011

2011 Christmas message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
11-142-MRC

    CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), shared a Christmas
greeting today with the 4.2 million members of this church. Hanson also
delivered his greeting to the ELCA's six full communion, ecumenical and
interfaith partners, and member churches of The Lutheran World
Federation. The full text of the presiding bishop's message follows:

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all (Titus 2:11).

Yes  In this world where God creates with deep
    beauty and profound mystery.
    In this world where so many yearn for
    God's healing and peace.
    in this world where some have thought God has forsaken us:

Yes  Here, in this world, the grace of God has appeared.

    Not just in this world but for you.

Yes  For you, weary from trying to meet the
    expectations of others.
    For you, worrying about an uncertain future.
    For you, wondering if you are worthy.

Yes  For you, the grace of God has appeared,
    bringing salvation.

    Not just for you but for all.

Yes  For all, salvation has come in the wonder of
    God in mercy bending low to meet us
    in our humanity.
    In the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.
    In the power and promise
    of the gospel's proclamation,
    God's goodness and loving-kindness has appeared
    in the Savior Jesus.

So with angelic messengers and witnessing shepherds,
     we raise our voices:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom
he favors."

Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

    A video version of Presiding Bishop Hanson's Christmas message is
available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_4zHW_kHOI.

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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with approximately 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations
across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church
of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God
through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the
world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer
Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com



--
Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO  63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life?  What is your God-sighting today?
Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.