Holiday Greetings from our Acting President!

December 2021

Dear Friends,

The holidays have a way of drawing us together, of fostering a sense of community and togetherness. A togetherness that many of us deeply long for as the effects of the pandemic linger.

At WCIU, we have navigated the new realities brought on by pandemic restrictions by examining the form and function of different events and processes at the university with the continued goal for improvement. As a small school whose people are spread all over the world, we continue to think about ways to connect in the digital space we find ourselves in. This includes rethinking traditional academic events such as graduation and academic convocation which bring the community together.

We recently celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States. It is a time to reflect and celebrate with friends, family, and food. One of the unique features of this holiday is that it does not have overt civil implications like Independence Day or Memorial Day, or particularly religious heritage like Christmas, Ramadan, or Passover. As such it can easily be celebrated by everyone with a thankful heart regardless of their background.

At WCIU we are thankful for the many blessings of this past year including a supportive community, engaged students and faculty, and being able to be part of and see the way that God is working in the world. We have marveled at the way WCIU has been and is being used to bring transformation and shalom as part of God’s kingdom.

As Christians, we look forward to the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas as well as the marking of a new year on January 1. I also note that in the month of December there are also holidays and observances for Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Wiccans, Jews, Zoroastrians, as well as the celebration of Kwanzaa here in the United States. I am reminded that while the function of a holiday is to take time to remember and or celebrate an event or people important to a community, the form can range from somber times of reflection to joyful celebrations.

If you, like I am, are looking forward to remembering the coming of Christ, a merry Christmas! If you are celebrating another holiday, a warm holiday greeting to you.

Blessings,