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" But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
(Luke 2:10-11)

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

In a mystery that inspires us to wonder and awe, our Lord Jesus Christ put aside the glory and majesty of heaven to enter this world as a little baby who was laid in a manger (Lk 2:7; Jn 1:14). He experienced life as we do, with all its trials and sorrows, and finally died on the cross as a ransom sacrifice for us. Then God raised him from the dead and gave him eternal victory and glory. In this way, he became our Savior and Lord, our Friend and Shepherd. As I consider what Jesus has done for me and you, a shout of joy arises in my soul: “Thank you, Jesus! Praise you, Jesus!” Jesus’ coming is good news of great joy for all people. May the grace of Jesus fill our hearts in this season.

During the last four months, I have had the privilege of visiting UBF chapters in Latin America, Africa, Oceania, Canada and the USA, mostly with my wife Dervilla. We have met missionaries who received the grace of Incarnate Jesus and have humbly served people in their mission fields. Through them, Jesus has been raising national leaders who have established house churches, and the next generation of missionaries among their children. It is all the fruit of Jesus’ incarnation. This mighty manifestation of Jesus’ power has inspired us to see God’s vision to spread his kingdom all over the world.

As you know, in 2023 we will have the UBF International Summer Bible Conference. It will be held from August 3-6 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The title is “His Glory” (Jn 1:14). We pray that Jesus’ glory may be revealed through the messages, testimonies, mission reports and special programs. As we see his glory, he will renew our faith and vision so that we can engage in world mission more powerfully. We pray for many young people to attend this conference, see his glory, and catch God’s vision for their lives. May the powerful revelation of God’s glory make 2023 a most blessed and fruitful year for us all. May God richly bless you!

P. Ron & Dervilla Ward