Dear friends, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

I want to share with you a few thoughts about what we celebrate. 

We celebrate the faithfulness of God when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. His coming was promised at the dawn of humanity. In God’s appointed time the King and Savior was born.

We celebrate the true joy enduring in trials when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This demonstration of God’s promise brings great joy to believers, Jews, and gentiles alike.

We celebrate the hope that does not disappoint when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We need greater hopes than the ones the world can offer. And while anticipating and waiting is difficult sometimes the birth of Jesus reminds us that waiting on God is worth it.

We celebrate God’s unending love when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. What the ultimate manifestation of love, giving up His own Son for us. Embracing God’s love should be our response to such great love. 

We celebrate peace that is beyond understanding when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Abiding in this love we obtain true peace of mind. And also in our relationship with God and other people. 

We celebrate life when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Word, the Source of Life was born as a human child, bringing assurance of the sanctity of human life itself.

May your hearts be filled with joy, love, peace, hope this time of year and every day of the coming new year. God bless you and your loved ones.

Warmly in Christ,
Ruslan Khmyz
President
Kyiv Theological Seminary