Holy Anticipation: Over 1800 Participants Join 여의도순복음교회’s Christmas Eve Festival

여의도순복음교회’s ‘Holy Anticipation’ Christmas Eve Festival Draws Attention with Over 1800 Participants

On the eve of Christmas, 여의도순복음교회 (Yeouido Full Gospel Church) held a festive event called ‘Holy Anticipation,’ which garnered significant attention with approximately 1800 attendees. The festival included the participation of multiple families with twins and North Korean defectors, who were invited and received Christmas presents.

Aiming for Solutions to Low Birth Rates and Improved Inter-Korean Relations

The church’s goal for the festival was to address the issue of low birth rates and promote better relations between North and South Korea. The event witnessed the presence of 800 choir members and over 1000 churchgoers, who gathered in the square in front of the church. The church leaders expressed hope for resolving the low birth rate problem and fostering improved relations between the two Koreas.

Prominent Figures Participate in Gift Delivery

Pastor 이영훈 (Lee Young-hoon), former Prime Ministers 이낙연 (Lee Nak-yeon) and 정세균 (Chung Sye-kyun), as well as former Members of the National Assembly 나경원 (Na Kyung-won) and 이혜운 (Lee Hye-un), participated in the event and delivered gifts to the attendees.

Message of Hope and Peace

Pastor 이영훈 emphasized the significance of the Christmas message, stating that it symbolizes Jesus’ humility, sacrifice, and service, which ultimately bring peace to the world. He stressed the importance of everyone practicing service with a heart like Jesus, as it has the power to illuminate even the darkest times.

Christmas Wishes for Peace and Unity

Former Prime Ministers 정세균 and 이낙연, along with former Members of the National Assembly 나경원 and 이혜운, conveyed their Christmas greetings and expressed hopes for an end to war and the creation of a better world through political unity.

Festival Highlights

The festival reached its climax as the choir and churchgoers sang songs celebrating the birth of baby Jesus, and the Christmas tree was lit. After the official ceremony, participants greeted each other with “Merry Christmas” and sang “Joy to the World” together.

Supporting Birth Rates and Assisting North Korean Defectors

Since 2012, 여의도순복음교회 (Yeouido Full Gospel Church) has provided a total of 5 billion won in childbirth encouragement funds to around 5000 households. On this day, the church donated 156.9 million won, giving 300,000 won to 553 North Korean defector families.

Source: 뉴시스