In a heartwarming departure from tradition, the members of the First Korean United Methodist Church (FKUMC) in Wheeling, IL, celebrated Christmas morning with a unique twist that embodied the spirit of love and giving.

Fellowship Hall and Lobby Transform Into a Festive Gathering Place

While FKUMC has a long-standing tradition of hosting their Christmas worship service in the sanctuary, this year, the congregation decided to break away from the norm. Instead, they gathered in the fellowship hall and the lobby of the church, creating an intimate and festive atmosphere for the special occasion.

Naming the day "Love Your Neighbor Day," FKUMC took the celebration beyond the church walls, infusing the Christmas spirit with acts of kindness and generosity. The Advent candles, typically a fixture in the sanctuary, found a new home in the center of the lobby, surrounded by a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and a special cake in celebration of Jesus’ birth.

In collaboration with the Chicago Sanctuary Church Network, FKUMC actively participated in the 'Big Hug Campaign (Season 2).' This partnership turned the day of celebration into a day of action, as members of the church and the organization packed hundreds of care packages. These packages included essential items such as innerwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, Kleenex, body lotion, Tylenol, socks, feminine products, along with heartfelt Christmas cards and moon pies—each package of $50 worth.

Spreading Christmas Cheer to Refugees

The generosity didn't stop there. The members of the church and Sanctuary Church Network filled hundreds of plastic bags with donated items, most of them new, ranging from winter coats and blankets to socks and gloves. These bags were then personally delivered to refugees who had been invited to a special Christmas service and luncheon hosted by the All Nations Community Church, a partner church of the Sanctuary Church Network.

Joyful Participation and Gratitude

Approximately 70 people took part in the combined efforts of the 'Love Your Neighbor Day.' Those who participated expressed their happiness, describing it as a Christmas that was not only joyous but also deeply meaningful.

Lead pastor Sun Hyung Jo shared, “When Jesus said, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ he must have meant to fill our lives with real joy that flows from doing things that serve our neighbors. It must have been a greater birthday gift to Jesus than any Christmas service they held. It was a Christmas where we had the joy of worshiping not only inside the sanctuary but also outside the sanctuary.”

This unique celebration at FKUMC serves as a heartwarming reminder that the true essence of Christmas lies in the spirit of love, kindness, and selfless giving.