This has been a very momentous year for me — getting hired, getting married, getting a new place — and I am grateful and humbled by how far God has brought me. But I count it all as unto nothing beside the free gift of redemption I have received from the Savior whose birth we celebrate today.

I know Yeshua “Jesus” Meshiach was not born on Dec. 25th, 0000, and I know the holiday was only later established to supplant older pagan festivals; and yet it is fitting enough that, at the coldest and darkest time of year, we are warmed by the light of love, giving, and togetherness, as Christ came for our salvation when we were most helpless to save ourselves, to bring us into his unity with the Father. So, a happy Christmas to all of you, far and near, and may the Lord give you peace and joy.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”