Christmas Messages from Religious Leaders: "May You Find Courage and Comfort in Difficult Times"

Christmas Messages from Religious Leaders Ahead of Christmas Day

"During this holy season of Christmas, as we reflect deeply on Jesus Christ, the King of Peace who came to this land, I pray that the joy and grace of Christmas will overflow upon this land, our nation, our beloved compatriots in the North, the Korean church, and the entire world."

Kim Jungseok, President of the National Council of Churches in Korea. Provided by the National Council of Churches in Korea.

With Christmas approaching on December 25, religious leaders have issued their Christmas messages. Kim Jungseok, President of the National Council of Korean Churches, stated in a press release on the 17th, "This year has been especially meaningful as it marks the 140th anniversary of Korean missions, yet we are passing through a period of deep division and anxiety, and the church also feels a heavy sense of responsibility." He added, "At such a time, the event of God's only Son, Jesus Christ, coming into the lowest manger clearly illuminates the path we must walk."

He continued, "The path that the Korean church must take today is not one of elevation, but one of humility and service," emphasizing, "When we walk this path with humility, the church will regain trust in society and continue to fulfill its mission as the light and salt of the world."

He also addressed the people enduring difficult times, saying, "I hope that you will find the Lord who is with you even in hardship and gain the courage not to give up." He added, "I pray that the hope of Christmas will also be with the youth and future generations who are searching for their way in the face of an uncertain future." He went on to express his respect and comfort to the soldiers, police officers, and firefighters who work tirelessly for the life and safety of the people.

Archbishop Chung Soon-taek, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, is performing the Nativity scene ritual during the Christmas Eve Mass of the Lord's Nativity in 2024. Provided by the Archdiocese of Seoul

Archbishop Chung Soon-taek, head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, also said, "On the occasion of Christmas, I pray that the grace and peace of the Lord, who became incarnate, will be abundantly bestowed upon everyone." He continued, "I especially ask that the Lord's comfort and the light of hope will deeply permeate those who are spending difficult times amid the wounds, loneliness, isolation, and inequality of life."

He further encouraged, "Let us take the first step of love toward someone near us," and expressed his hope that the grace of Christmas will be poured out first and abundantly upon 'the most remote and darkest places.'