Lisa and I would like to wish you all the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years. We hope it is a season of deep and true worship, that you get a chance to see the people you long to see, that you enjoy rest and rich fellowship, feasting and festivities. As David said in Psalm 20, “May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!” We pray this for you.
All our kids (and their spouses) will be with us this year, so we’re looking forward to the next couple weeks (T’liia came home last week). But as much as we have anticipated this Christmas, we recognize the circumstances God has placed us in, our life-setting month in and month out, could hardly be better. We hope you know you are a primary reason for the satisfaction and contentment we feel. Paul said to the Philippians, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” I used to think Paul’s phrases like that (he speaks the same in other epistles) were about 60% diplomacy and 40% thanksgiving. But I realize now that if I were separated from you, it would be very easy for me to speak as Paul speaks. And I know Lisa feels the same. Several times in recent months, as she and I have driven away from some event at CPC, she has said to me, “there are so many dear, dear people in the church.” It’s a truth that humbles us and fills us with gratitude.
We look forward to being with you in these next couple worship services, especially Christmas Eve, and we pray that we would be continually building one another up in Christ at every opportunity. The Lord bless and keep you all!