We are presently in the Antiochian Archdiocese under Bishop Joseph in California, but a Khouria friend who is under Bishop Mark posted this on her blog. I liked it, so I decided to post it on mine as well.

Bishop Mark's Nativity Message

Come, let us rejoice in the Lord, proclaiming the present mystery; for He hath broken the middle wall of partition, and the flaming spear shall turn about, and the cherubim shall admit all to the tree of life. As for me, I shall return to enjoy the bliss of paradise from which I was driven away before, by reason of iniquity; for the likeness of the Father, and the Person of His eternity, which it is impossible to change hath taken the likeness of a Servant, coming from a Mother who has not known wedlock; free from transubstantiation, since He remained as He was, true God, and took what had not been, having become Man for His love of mankind. Wherefore, let us lift our voices unto Him crying, O Thou Who wast born of the Virgin, O God, have mercy upon us.

Dear faithful,
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
The incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrates God’s love for fallen mankind. The Creator comes seeking His creation which had gone astray. Our Lord comes to give Life to those who were wed unto death. The doors to paradise have been opened and our self-willed exile may come to an end! I say, ‘may come to an end,’ because the Lord invites, but compels no one! The Lord has opened the gates, let us choose to enter. Our Lord offers Life, let us accept it. Communion with God is offered, but forced on no one.

May we, who are continually tempted to love creation more than the Creator, through repentance, prayer and fasting turn more fully unto Him and become partakers of His Divine Life. Then we may sing with the Holy Angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”(Luke 2: 14) Have a blessed Feast!
Your unworthy father in Christ,

+ MARK
Bishop of Toledo and the Diocese of the Midwest