God is near us in our homes, at work

	Bishop David Zubik

My dear Sisters and Brothers,

On this our first Christmas together, I wish you, the faith-filled Church of Green Bay, and all those whom you love, deepened holiness, much happiness and good health during the holidays and throughout the coming year.

As I reflect upon my arrival in the Diocese and the weeks preceding my Installation as your eleventh Bishop, I am very much struck by the way you manifest the hospitality of all the faithful participants in the first Christmas story.

Like the angels who sang their "glory to God" at the birth of Jesus, I can already see that you are a people who sing full heartedly your praise to God. Continue to recognize how close God is to you in your homes, workplaces and especially within your faith communities.

Like the shepherds who so diligently "kept watch," I appreciate how important is your vigilance to the importance of family. Remain close to each other with the love of the Father, Our Creator.

Like the magi who traveled from afar to present their gifts to the newborn King, offer the gifts of your life and especially your talents for the honor and glory of God.

Like St. Joseph, who so selflessly stood by Mary, go to any length and through any journey to provide Jesus an important place in the "manger" of your hearts.

And finally, like the dear Mother Mary, who said yes to be the mother of the Messiah, seek to bring the love of Christ and His presence to the world in which you live.

While we are only coming to know each other, I am grateful to you for the incredible ways in which you have welcomed me into your faith family. As your shepherd, I pledge to you my heart in the same manner in which Jesus has given us His heart.

As I pray for you, I ask the same for me. Like the angels, I hope to increase in my praise of God; like the shepherds, I hope to demonstrate a love that is genuine; like the magi, I hope to bring my gifts forward for the honor and glory of God and for service to you; like St. Joseph, I pray that I may go to any length to bring you closer to God; and, like Mary, I sincerely hope that my words and deeds, my thoughts and intentions, all bring Christ a little closer to your hearts.

As I wish you the most blessed Christmas, I sincerely hope that you experience - that we all experience - "peace on earth and good will to all."

With much affection and with Christ's love,

Most Reverend David A. Zubik
Bishop of Green Bay