Bishop Sally Dyck

Do you see Christmas?

For all the decorations, beautiful trees, family gatherings, and Christmas pageants, it's still easy to overlook Christmas.

Christmas is not something in the past but happens every day in our lives, communities, churches, country and world.

I've seen Christmas...

When United Methodists send money and mission teams to help clean up after natural disasters in Illinois, other parts of the country and around the world, such as the Philippines; when people who never left home made flood buckets, gave to United Methodist Committee on Relief, and prayed.

When a child experiences love, something to eat, and a lesson about Jesus from an adult who longs to pass on the faith to the next generation.

When a church takes a risk and starts a new ministry with the poor in their community, transforming their own lives as well as the lives of those who are in need.

When a conference takes on big challenges like Harvest 2020 and Imagine No Malaria, only to experience the joy of giving and making a difference.

When clergy and laity take the time to go to Springfield or Washington D.C. and stand up for their convictions, addressing injustice through changes in law and policy.

I see Christmas all the time! In these ways and more. Through the people of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference and the United Methodist Church ... and others who seek to follow Jesus.

Thank you for showing the world what Christmas really is!

Merry Christmas...today and always!