Greetings, Diocese of Olympia. I’m here in what will become our chapel space in Diocesan House. It’s the old library here in the mansion and something that has been under construction. When I first imagined doing a Christmas video for you, I was hoping to have a nice tree set up nearby and looking all perfect in this space and yet here we are, under construction. Often we hear from our culture about how perfect Christmases can be. We get
You’ve probably heard that some Christian churches in Jerusalem have officially canceled their typical Christmas celebrations. And you can perhaps understand why. In solidarity with the current suffering of children in Gaza in particular, their idea is that celebrating Christmas in the typical way seems somehow inappropriate this year. We’re not doing that here, of course, but here’s the thing to remember in the middle of our Christmas cheer, whatever form it may take for us: The story of the
Merry Christmas, Diocese of Olympia, and all who may be watching. This annual celebration of the birth of Jesus is also an invitation, an invitation for us to open our hearts and allow Jesus to be born there as well. At the culmination of Advent, that period of waiting, watching, reflection, and anticipation, comes the Savior of the world and the Savior of our souls. As we gather together with those we love, families born and those chosen, we give
Greetings, Diocese of Olympia and all who may be watching, and most especially on this day, Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope you all are with those you love and who love you, but if you can’t be with them, I hope you will make connections with them today in some way. I know this can be for many, a season of wild extremes. For some, the most joyous and happy time of the year, and for some,
Bishop Rickel’s Christmas Message Merry Christmas, Diocese of Olympia and everyone watching! For those of you who love Christmas, I have good news for you, it’s a season, not a day. It runs from this day to January 5, and then to the Feast of the Epiphany, the arrival of the Magi, the 6th of January, so enjoy it, keep celebrating. Christ arrives, that’s what Christmas is all about. Christ coming into our lives, coming into our world, incarnating love
Bishop Rickel offers his reflections for Christmas and Epiphany, and sends his wishes for a joyous holiday season.
Bishop Rickel’s Christmas message explores the sadness of this season as we move toward a less inclusive society and calls on each of us to be Christ in the world during this holiday season, embracing the beauty of our diverse culture.
Make a real difference this Christmas season in the lives of some of the most vulnerable among us with Gifts of Hope: Alternative Christmas Giving. You can give an “alternative” gift to your loved ones by making a tax deductible donation to our Gifts of Hope, benefiting the Jubilee Center in Auburn.
Blessings for the Journey: a Christmas message from Bishop Greg Rickel.
