Greetings!

"For unto us a child is born, a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace".  Isaiah 9:6

On this Holy Day as we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, we are gifted in many ways. We are gifted through our gathering in worship.  We are gifted in the presence of family and friends.  We are gifted through the sharing of our abundance so others might be blessed.  

This year for the first time in many years, I am blessed to celebrate Christmas in Korea with my family.  As I celebrate, I hold my dear friends and community in Northern Illinois in prayer.  The faith that connects us spiritually transcends the miles that separate us physically, leading me to reflect on my sense of God's great global family this Christmas Day.

This fall as I traveled to Japan, I witnessed support offered from around the world to those whose lives were devastated by earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.  I saw the faces of brothers and sisters, beloved children of God, people of many faiths, sustained through the goodness of a caring global community.

As Northern Illinois Conference hosted the China Bible Exhibition in Chicago in October, we were inspired by the resiliency and promise of a faith that has endured generations of hardship and oppression.  In that witness we are offered a promise of peace that transcends politics.  

My prayer this Christmas Day is for our global family. I pray that we might continue to be blessed by broadening connections giving witness to God's presence throughout the world.  A presence made flesh in the birth of a baby in a manger who came to be the Prince of Peace.

Your Brother in Christ,
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung