ⓒ 2010 WATV

On the last night of the eventful year 2009, the New Jerusalem Temple was brightly lit up in the midst of the dark and the big freeze. By the grace of God, the “Prayer Service to Seek Blessings for the New Year 2010” was held for the start of the new year. The members came together at the New Jerusalem Temple to give thanks to Heavenly Father and Mother for Their grace bestowed upon them during the past one year and to greet the hopeful new year, hand in hand with their families, relatives and neighbors.

About one hour before the new year, stage performances to celebrate the arrival of 2010 began. The New Life Children’s Choir took to the stage first, as characters in a fairy tale. After singing for happy dreams and hope, they performed cheerful songs and cute dances, containing the message—“Let’s move powerfully toward the new year.” After the performances by the Children’s Choir, a mini concert by the Messiah Orchestra was held. Performances of various musical genres such as the orchestral music performances and the Men’s Ensemble’s performance—and the beautiful melodies of the New Songs filled the audience with heartwarming inspirations.

After all the performances finished, the members, full of excitement, shouted out the countdown to 2010 with one voice. They greeted the hopeful new year with cheers and applause. Soon the prayer service began with a magnificent song titled “Go Out Into the World!” by the Choir, which contains a desire for the completion of world evangelism.

ⓒ 2010 WATV

Mother gave thanks to Father for being with His children until the last moments of 2009, and prayed that all Her children and their families would live in peace and good health, wishing them a happy new year full of blessings. In Her new year message, She also comforted the souls of those who had a tough and hard year because of economic depression, disasters and accidents, and hoped them all to share the blessings of the heavenly kingdom where joy and peace last forever. In addition, She bestowed abundant blessings on Her children, saying, “In 2010, let’s achieve great love by conveying the heavenly hope to our families and neighbors and to all people around the world.”

General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim delivered his new year greetings: “May God’s blessings be with you all throughout the year, and may all your wishes come true!” He also wished that every individual, their family and the whole world would go forward towards the kingdom of heaven with a greater hope and dream in the new year.

The members, their families, relatives and neighbors, who started the year with thanksgiving and joy, wished one another God’s blessings for the new year with bright smiles, and prayed that all their hearts’ cherished desires and plans for the gospel would be accomplished by the grace of God in the new year.