This Christmas season, the World Olivet Assembly (WOA) hosted retreats and worship services in churches across the globe, uniting believers in a profound celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. With John 3:16 as the overarching theme, the gatherings encouraged all participants to meditate deeply on the love of God, manifested in His Son, and the transformative power of His coming into the world.
On Christmas morning, sincere greetings and blessings were extended to church leaders, congregations, and individuals worldwide, marking this day as one of immense joy and reflection. The birth of Jesus Christ stands as the most significant and transformative event in human history, a moment when God's divine plan for redemption entered its fullness. It was the "kairos" moment that brought light into a world overshadowed by sin and despair, offering the promise of eternal life and a pathway to salvation.
The retreats and services held during this season were not only occasions for celebration but also opportunities for believers to renew their commitment to the mission of spreading the gospel. Christmas serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His profound love for humanity, as revealed through the gift of His Son. It also stands as a call to action, challenging every believer to proclaim the name of Jesus boldly and invite others to experience the joy and hope He offers.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on the humility of Christ's coming, born in a manger and embodying a kingdom that defies earthly expectations. His arrival demonstrated God's grace and love, reaching into the lowliest places to bring redemption. Inspired by this example, congregations around the world embraced the call to serve others selflessly, embodying the compassion and humility that Jesus modeled.
The central message of John 3:16-"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life"-served as a guiding light throughout the gatherings. It reminded all attendees of the boundless love of God, the purpose of Christ's birth, and the ultimate gift of salvation made available to humanity. This Scripture formed the foundation of reflections, prayers, and messages shared during the retreats, urging believers to meditate on the Savior's obedience to the Father, His sacrificial love, and His mission to save.
As the retreats concluded, believers departed with hearts full of gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to carry the message of Christ's love into their communities. This Christmas season became a testament to the unity of faith and mission within the World Olivet Assembly, as the global body of Christ came together to celebrate the profound truth of Emmanuel-God with us.