Merry Christmas, New Hope!
We have had a lot of “firsts” over the past six months: Our first summer monsoon season, our first hurricane, our first Thanksgiving, and now our first Christmas. They will all leave fond memories in our minds as we get adjusted to our new home here and at New Hope. So on our first Christmas and on behalf of my family, I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We thank you for the warm reception you have provided for us over these early months. Your cards, your words, your support, and your encouragement have made this transition memorable. We have felt well loved and well cared for and our new friendships have brought us great joy. We have a lot to be thankful for during this Christmas season.
As we come to our last Sunday of Advent, we should be thankful for the gift we have in Jesus. Without Him, there would be no access to God. Without Him, we would be lost in our sin. Without Him, we would be crushed by our guilt and shame. But in Him, we are reminded that God is with us and when we have Him with us, who can be against us? In Christ, love came down and dwelt among us. Heaven and earth collided. God became flesh and, through Him and His perfect life, He secured the forgiveness that we desperately needed. In Him, His righteousness has become ours. This was God’s plan from the very beginning. He sent His Son to rescue us. This is why the angels sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” This Christmas, let’s reflect on this wonderful news and cherish Christmas in our hearts every day.
Merry Christmas,
