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CHRISTMAS 2023
Warmest blessings of peace as we celebrate the Feast of the Birth of Jesus.
In many of the churches where you gather, there will be beautiful stained-glass windows which depict the birth, the mission, the miracles, the love and life and death of Jesus on the Cross.
How blessed we are to gather in a country of peace to celebrate the birth of Jesus this year. I remember a few years ago going on pilgrimage to Bethlehem and as we gather this year, we are mindful of all that is going on in our world and in many countries, particularly in the Holy Land at this time. In Bethlehem you must bend low to honour the place of the birth of Jesus. God comes to us; God bows low before us to hold us and to honour us. We are a people of faith and joy and promise, so across our parishes and our schools, wherever you may be this Christmas, may that gift of joy and hope, the gift of Jesus himself, be yours.
Across the Diocese of Sale, we wish to reach out to all our communities and to welcome all people in the name of the One who comes to us: Emmanuel - God with Us, the Prince of Peace.
My dear friends, as we gather with our families, our communities, our parishes, or wherever you are, may you have a blessed and Holy Christmas. May the gift of Jesus that we receive be the one you take to others by bringing His joy, His hope and His promise to all you meet.
Happy and Blessed Christmas and may 2024 give you every grace that you seek.
+Greg Bennet
Bishop of Sale