This quote from the prophet Isaiah, chapter 9 verse 6, echoes through the centuries and into our hearts and minds once again, “For a child has been born—for us! The gift of a son--for us!” (The Message)
The gift of the Christ child, like all other gifts, is enjoyed most when shared. In this season of gift giving and receiving, we remember the great gift of God’s Love poured out for all people. And with joy in our hearts, we in turn give to God the gifts of our lives, our time, and our treasure.
Like the joy of the children unwrapping presents, we are invited to joyfully unwrap God’s gifts in our lives and our ministry.
My prayer for all of us in Wisconsin and throughout our world is that the many gifted people of the United Methodist Church will follow the Christ Child into a new and fruit-filled New Year with abundant hope and joy.
Like a Child
Daniel Charles Damon
Like a child love would send to reveal and to mend,
Like a child and a friend, Jesus comes.
Like a child we may find claiming heart, soul, and mind
Like a child strong and kind, Jesus comes
Like a child we will meet, ragged clothes, dirty feet,
Like a child on the street, Jesus comes.
Like a child we once knew
Coming back into view,
Like a child born anew, Jesus comes.
Like a child born to pray and to show us the way,
Like a child here to stay, Jesus comes.
Like a child we receive
All that love can conceive,
Like a child we believe, Jesus comes.
Blessings,
Hee-Soo Jung, PhD
Bishop
Author
Hee-Soo Jung
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has served as resident bishop of the Wisconsin Annual Conference since September of 2012. Prior to leading the Wisconsin Conference UMC, Bishop Jung served eight years as bishop of the Northern Illinois Conference (Chicago area).