A Christmas Message from GBHEM

Dear Friends,

In this season of Advent, it seems as if we are all in the same place as the shepherds of Bethlehem. Like them, we are waiting in the darkness, doing our best to keep watch over our flocks and find safety in a frightening world. Yet, the shepherds did not wait in endless darkness—and neither will we.

The angel of the Lord arrived before them, shining the glory of God into the night and announcing the good news of the birth of Christ. We are in trying times, but the glory of the Lord is still there to light up our darkness.

We see it every day. We see it in our United Methodist-related schools like Meharry Medical College, which is lifting its community with COVID-19 testing and lifesaving research. We see it in the work of clergy like Rev. Dr. Kimberly E. Lane-Willis, a hospital chaplain who makes space for peace and gratitude on the frontlines of the pandemic. And we see it in you, our friends and colleagues who have shown remarkable grace and compassion in adapting your ministries to the realities of 2020.

Below, our GBHEM video Christmas card reminds us to look for those instances of God’s glory shining all around us. I hope you enjoy it, and on behalf of the entire board and staff of GBHEM, I wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Blessings,

Rev. Greg Bergquist
General Secretary
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
The United Methodist Church