Christmas Letter 2020
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Luke 2:14
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Luke 2:14
The words of Luke 2 are familiar to all of us, we come back to them each Christmas and find in the story of Jesus’ birth a measure of peace and joy and hope. But, this Christmas is different! As we look around, it’s not easy to find a reason to be joyful or hopeful, and peace seems to be elusive. Just watching the news at night is heartbreaking; there is so much loss, so much hatred and injustice and division, so many who are hurting, who are out of work, hungry and afraid. Even those who have a strong faith cannot help but be troubled by the brokenness in our world today.
But, friends, for this reason Jesus came! When He began His earthly ministry He quoted the words of Isaiah the prophet: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1).
Where does a hurting world find healing and strength and a reason to believe tomorrow will be better? We look to the Prince of Peace, the One who is called Emmanuel, God with us. How do we navigate our way through a pandemic? How do we make sense of the political and social unrest of our day? Where can we find strength and courage to combat the injustices and inequalities in our society? Where do we, as a people of faith turn to find answers, to renew our faith and hope?
We do what God’s people have always done in times of crisis and unrest; we run to the One who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). We take Jesus at His word: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). We remind ourselves that One who came as Bethlehem’s baby is King of kings and Lord of lords.
My friends at Valley, this is my prayer for you: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
May you rest in the love of Christ and may you find in Him peace and joy this Christmas!
Janice and I want to thank you for your love and support, for all the kindness you have extend to us and our family. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity. It is our joy to share this journey with you.
From our home to yours, may the joy of the season surround you!
Pastor Ken
But, friends, for this reason Jesus came! When He began His earthly ministry He quoted the words of Isaiah the prophet: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1).
Where does a hurting world find healing and strength and a reason to believe tomorrow will be better? We look to the Prince of Peace, the One who is called Emmanuel, God with us. How do we navigate our way through a pandemic? How do we make sense of the political and social unrest of our day? Where can we find strength and courage to combat the injustices and inequalities in our society? Where do we, as a people of faith turn to find answers, to renew our faith and hope?
We do what God’s people have always done in times of crisis and unrest; we run to the One who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). We take Jesus at His word: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). We remind ourselves that One who came as Bethlehem’s baby is King of kings and Lord of lords.
My friends at Valley, this is my prayer for you: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
May you rest in the love of Christ and may you find in Him peace and joy this Christmas!
Janice and I want to thank you for your love and support, for all the kindness you have extend to us and our family. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity. It is our joy to share this journey with you.
From our home to yours, may the joy of the season surround you!
Pastor Ken