wfn.org | ACNS3719 A letter to the Anglican Episcopal faithful in the

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ACNS 3719     |     ACO     |     24 DECEMBER 2003 

A letter to the Anglican Episcopal faithful in the Holy Land

To the Christian Faithful Worshipping in Jerusalem and Bethlehem this
Christmas:

c/o The Rt Revd Riah Hanna Abu El-Assal 
The Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem
St George's Close
Box 19122
JERUSALEM

 From the Secretary General of the Anglican Episcopal Communion, London

Dear Friends,

Tonight as you worship in Jerusalem and Bethlehem on the Feast of the
Nativity of our Lord, be assured that 75 million Anglicans/Episcopalians
from around the world will be praying for you and with you and indeed
for all the faithful in the Holy Land. Amidst the threat of walls being
built to separate instead of to unite, rhetoric that divides instead of
bringing together, we pray for you tonight, you who have been given the
great privilege to worship in Jerusalem and on the holy ground where the
Prince of Peace was born, who came to tear down the walls that separate
people from each other and from God.

The message of peace and unity that the Babe of Bethlehem lived has
always been so difficult for political leaders to comprehend because the
use of force and military might is so much easier to understand when
confronted with conflict. We know that this baby, born of Mary, and
protected by Joseph, whose birth we celebrate tonight, came into this
world with a radical love that will bring together all the peoples of
the earth. Bricks and mortar, guns and swords are not His symbols. His
way is one of open arms and hearts; an embrace from heaven to all the
earth.

How Kirsten, Emily, Carrie and I wish we could celebrate with you this
Christmas. Our years in Jerusalem have strengthened our faith and
resolve to plead the cause of peace whenever and wherever we can. Be
assured the world is watching and is in utter dismay at the scenes from
Bethlehem: Know that the prayers of our global Anglican family are being
lifted up for you tonight so that justice and peace will reign in the
Land of the Holy One. Our eyes will be focussed tonight on that cave in
Manger Square where the Prince of Peace was born and on you and all who
are faithful to the Christmas message. Why? Because it is through such
faithfulness that Christ is born in us again at Christmas and it is in
each other that we truly see our Lord afresh in every generation.

No person can take from Bethlehem the reality we sing of at this time of
the year. "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee
tonight".

Yours ever,

The Revd Canon John L. Peterson

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