Attendance at mass at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul
President Lee Jae-myung said on Christmas Day, the 25th, “I will do my best to bring warmth and hope to the daily lives of all citizens in the coming new year.”
In a Christmas message posted on Facebook that day, President Lee wrote, “This is a day that comes around every year, but I hope you are a little happier today. I hope you look into the eyes of your loved ones, smile, and have a good time.” He added, “I pray with both hands that this is a precious Christmas that will be comfort to some, rest to others, and courage to live tomorrow for others.”
Regarding the meaning of Christmas, President Lee wrote, “I think of Jesus Christ, who was born in the lowest and darkest place and spent his entire life with those who suffered and were sick. I think his life is the true meaning of Christmas that we should remember.”
President Lee attended the Christmas service at Haein Church in Incheon with First Lady Kim Hye-kyung this morning. Haein Church is a small church in Gyeyang-gu, which was President Lee’s constituency when he was a member of the National Assembly, and is a people’s church founded by workers with money raised in 1986. The President’s Office said that among its members, there are many underprivileged people, such as the homeless and victims of domestic violence, and that it is a warm place that carries out various community projects, such as a homeless shelter, and delivers warmth to those who are marginalized in our society. Presidential Office Spokesperson Kim Nam-joon introduced in a written briefing, “This schedule was prepared with the purpose of reflecting on the original meaning of Christmas, conveying a message of comfort and hope to all citizens beyond religion, and at the same time reflecting on the value of social integration.”
After the service, President Lee and his wife visited the Notre Dame Convent near the church. The Convent of Notre Dame also helps the underprivileged in rehabilitation and independence by operating a welfare center and educational facilities for the disabled. Afterwards, he visited Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul and offered a Christmas mass. The mass held with the Archbishop of Seoul Chung Soon-taek, Vicar General Yobi Koo, Archbishop Cho Seong-pung, and about 1,000 believers attended was also attended by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik and Senior Secretary to the President for Integration Jeon Seong-hwan.
On the 25th, Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Sae Eden Church in Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, recited poet Do Jong-hwan’s poem ‘A Flower That Blooms While Shaking’ and said, “Let’s shake off all the hardships we have experienced this year, shaking and weeping.” From the left, Representative Chung, Supreme Council Member Lee Un-ju, and Party Leader Han Min-soo, Chief of Staff. Yonhap News
Representatives of the ruling and opposition parties concluded the two-night and three-day filibuster the previous day and visited each church to attend the Christmas service.
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk attended a service held at Sarang Church in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 25th and said, “Just as Jesus came to this earth to reveal everything, our politics must also become a politics that illuminates dark places.” From the left, People Power Party Rep. Cho Eun-hee, Representative Jang, and Rep. Shin Dong-wook. Yonhap News
Chung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited New Eden Church in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do and said, “Today is the day that baby Jesus was born, who came from the lowest place to spread glory to heaven, peace to earth, and the light of the gospel.” He added, “Today, I bless the birth of our baby, the Lord Jesus, who came to this earth with love. I hope that God’s grace will be with your families and faith.” He recited poet Do Jong-hwan’s poem ‘A Flower That Blooms While Shaking’ and said, “Please shake off the hardships you have experienced this year, shaking and shedding tears.”
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk said after worship at Sarang Church in Seocho-gu, Seoul, “The true meaning of Christmas is sacrifice,” and “Jesus came to this earth to brighten dark places and comfort the lowly.” Representative Jang added, “I prayed that our politics would also be able to brighten dark places, elevate low places, and wipe away the tears of those in need.”
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