God's astonishing desire to enter human life and redeem it was the theme of our recent conference, "Christ Transforming Culture: Why the Church Matters in the 21st Century." Excerpts from several of the addresses are inside. That is the hope the church offers the world, during Christmastide and throughout the year.

In this particularly challenging time for our nation and for our church, we embrace the promises that God makes and keeps: hope that overcomes our fears, peace that transcends our differences. May we together share these gifts with those who are near and those who are far off.