wfn.org | ELCA'S Presding Bishop's Christmas Message

[Brenda Williams <BRENDAW@elca.org>]

Reply-To: ElcaNews <ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG>
ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF

December 4, 1997

H. GEORGE ANDERSON'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

"Peace on earth" must become more than the song of
angels.  It must become the everyday motto of
human beings who make decisions and choose
leaders.

The Christmas story tells of one who came so that
all of us might live in peace.   Yet Jesus of
Nazareth found few who dared to follow his
example.  He became a center of controversy and
ultimately gave his life for God's mission
of peace.

It is significant that we talk about "declaring
war" but we never speak of "declaring peace."
Deep down we know that peace is more than just
talk; it takes work.  Sometimes it takes courage
-- even sacrifice.

This Christmas season can be a time to ask
ourselves how we can "make peace" instead of just
talking about it.

    The Rev. H. George Anderson
    Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church
    in America

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or
NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html