Dear Friends,

There are plenty of fun and exciting things associated with Christmas: the beautiful light displays, majestic Christmas trees, and Christmas specials on TV add to this season. However, we must intentionally remember to celebrate the reason all of this is happening: Jesus Christ. The single greatest event in the history of humankind took place in a lowly manger with the birth of our Savior; the birth of hope.

Take time this Christmas season to read the Gospel of Luke to your children or grandchildren. Take time to bless those less fortunate and say, “Merry Christmas,” to all you greet. I would like to share with you something powerful written by Louis Stevenson from A Christmas Prayer.

Loving Father,

Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Merry Christmas to all,

Steve