Dear Friends,

At this all important time of the year we are reminded of two things: the acknowledgement of a risen Savior and the finality of another year.

It doesn’t really matter that this is not as scripture tells us, the true birthday of Christ. It matters that we take the time to honor Him. So many people have a problem with Christmas and it is a shame that they can’t enjoy the basics of the season without the need to be legalistic.

I, for one, have always had a problem with the gift part of Christmas. It is solely because men have problems picking out appropriate gifts to fill the expectations of those who they love. There is no deeper meaning than that; we aren’t good at shopping. To accept a gift is to know that someone cares enough to put in the effort to please and that should be the importance of giving and receiving. It isn’t up to one person to meet your standards of fulfilling your hearts desire, except from our Lord. He knows the deepest thought and emotions of the heart and have provided for us all.

Some think of our Lord as a magic source and when we think He fails to give us something we asked for, He doesn’t really exist. No, sometimes we ask foolishly out of frustration or inappropriate desire. He never said he would remove us from harms way, only that He gives us the strength to walk through all our problems and rise above peril. (Isaiah 43: 1-3) Could you imagine any human being knowing your true emotions and feelings? God does, but He will not act on your whims; he acts on your behalf when called upon.

Make no mistake, God is not Santa. He really does know when you’re good and bad and makes His own list that we will be accountable for one day.

Christmas should be full of family time, joy, love, and happiness. Also, remembrance of the Christ that came to bring mankind an opportunity to be with Him for eternity, without anger, without family discontent, but with peace and love in our hearts for one another. Don’t let the season go by without letting Jesus know you love Him first. Bring baskets of fruit to those you love; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” Galatians 5: 22-23. Fruit is always an appropriate gift.

Mary and I want to thank you all for your continuing support of our work. Your gifts and friendship have made Liberty possible. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a closer walk with the Lord in the coming New Year.