The Ukrainian Christmas Message

Christmas Message by David Soley

The Ukrainian Spirit is the God’s Gift to Each World Nation

As another year of war draws to a close, Ukrainians remain unwavering in their hope for victory and a lasting peace for their nation and all of Europe. Currently, Ukraine is experiencing an immense struggle with the aggressor. Daily rocket attacks bring suffering and devastation. Striking hit homes and residential areas are killing and injuring many Ukrainians. Meanwhile, European nations and the United States, due to imaginary fear, are not decisive enough in their actions. Despite this, the indomitable spirit of Ukraine shines through-resilient, determined, fearless, bold, and full of purpose. Ukrainians are showing their inner strength, believing in total victory. 

As the Christmas season approaches, let us keep the faith and pray that God will grant a precious gift to Ukrainians and all who cherish peace: a victorious resolution to the war in 2025. Ukrainians see a weakening, more vulnerable, and diminished Russia, while the world continues to witness Ukraine’s growing strength, courage, and resolve for the challenging yet winnable journey ahead.

Nevertheless, the Ukrainian economic lifeforce is advancing. Ukraine’s progressions are reflected in their improved economic performance as well as significant advancement in technological innovation and great unconventional military successes. Individual companies are showing their confidence in Ukraine’s future. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, Insurance broker Aon and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will launch a first-of-its-kind initiative to help revive Ukraine’s insurance market. Schneider Electric is collaborating to modernize Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Honeywell, GE Vernova, and Vestas also made investments in 2024 in Ukraine.

New direct foreign investment increased in Ukraine lead by direct investments in 2024 came from the Netherlands ($1.19 billion), Cyprus ($1.13 billion), the United States ($361 million), the United Kingdom, Ireland ($297 million), and Luxembourg ($284.5 million). Grain exports significantly increased by 58.9 % in 2024 from 2023. Ukraine is starting to win in the international economics and investment world. 

As this year ends, Ukrainians and all those who stand with Ukraine begin the celebration of Christ's birth and the belief that God is continuing to bring his comforting presence and love to each of you. In your still moments, as you all gather, God delivers a wonderful present to each of you. Whether on the front lines or at home, the thoughts of love and the joy of having each other become God’s present for each of you. The understanding you have of this kind of love becomes the carrying force that sustains your human spirit while you wait to see each other again.

This Christmas Season, God’s assurance of this truth becomes another present for each of you. God is reaching out to each of you with a calming presence and comforting warmth, touching each of your hearts, whether together or in distant locations in a deeply meaningful way. It is a blessing for each of you as well as your family’s lives during the coming Christmas season. I pray that each of you is filled with God’s gift of well-being, surrounding safekeeping, and assurance.  

Like some of you, I have also experienced a bad living moment in 2024. For me, it was panic and fright when my wife had a sudden cardiac event during a church service last spring. All at once my wife’s life was in God’s hands.  Shock overcame reason. Frightfulness became my partner. Hours later, after the first near death on the way to the hospital, I was faced with this possibility again. As we were together, we found out that my wife had a possible blood clot evolving near her heart.

Knowing this, the experience of watching my wife lay in the hospital bed fighting against this possible event became too much for me. Suddenly, God stepped in, and immediately my wife's blood pressure stabilized. Happiness and joy in tears immediately came before us. The doctors came in within seconds. Amazement surrounded all of us. The doctors had no explanation as to why this sudden miracle occurred.

The world prays for this similar kind of miracle and blessing for Ukraine—the experience of long-lasting lives, peace, and victory.  The chance to receive God’s blessing of belief, his credence, and continuing acknowledgment of faith and trust for you. This is your Christmas gift. 

As we celebrate the Christmas season, each of us needs to be awakened to the sense of sharing our joy and gladness with those whom we love. Sharing love with our family members as well as with those whom we work with brings upon a tremendous feeling of joy and belonging.

These acts of Christian kindness are why the celebration of the birth of Christ is so special and important. Our Lord Jesus gave us the hope and belief of everlasting life. It’s a present that stays with us forever. It’s the belief that all Christians treasure and esteem.

The knowledge of this fact becomes God’s gift to you during the Christmas season. In time you will rejoin your loved ones. God’s offering of this assurance begins to calm you. An ever-sustaining and growing courageous belief in Ukraine to defeat Russian evil is the carrying force for those who believe in Ukraine's victory.

To The Ukrainian Soldier

The free nations of the world are becoming more amazed at your displays of courageous acts of heroism and battlefield brilliance. We see the Ukrainian spirit and confidence in your faces. You continue to baffle the Russians. The Ukrainian Arm Forces, Ukraine government leaders, and the staff supporting you, as well as the Ukrainian citizens, admire your strength and commitment to valor and mightiness.

Each of you shows the world your character, spirit, and will to win. There is no greater cause than defending and preserving the freedom all Ukrainians deserve. The world marvels at the audacity and cleverness of the Ukrainian fighters as the Ukrainian Arm Forces advance their fight to Russian soil. In addition, the Ukrainian Army's fight with Russia has created an international burden for their government. As we see, Ukraine also constraints Russia from aiding Syria, thereby helping cause the downfall of a world dictator and world criminal.

Freedom for all without threat is a resonant power all Ukrainians carry daily. Having belief in sustaining the freedom march is your carrying force. Your purposeful will generates the energy and drive enabling all Ukrainians to believe in you each day. Holding on to the belief of achieving complete freedom and attaining the pursuit of happiness becomes the Ukrainian resolve.

During these dark and cold days, the world prays that God's grace strengthens each of you as you advance toward victory and peace. The Ukrainian soldier is marching with valor and unwavering belief, striving for freedom and lasting peace.