Christmas Letter 2023

May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Each year our family, along with Christmas Cards, sends out a newsletter, part of which is a Gospel presentation. As in the past, I decided to post the Gospel part of our newsletter.

This year's Gospel message came in the first Christmas card we received in 2023 from my cousin Kathy. We liked it so much that we asked her if we could use it in our Newsletter. Her reply, "yes, of course, use that message to whoever and whenever.  Let's keep planting seeds and sharing TRUTH!" Thanks Kath! So, from my cousin Kathy to me and now to you: 

"WHAT IS CHRISTMAS ALL ABOUT?"

Well, as you can plainly see by watching the news, so much is happening in our world these days. Recent world events: wars, rumors of wars, increased earthquakes, famines, pestilence, increased lawlessness, etc. Warnings! 

The Bible describes such events and more, as all pointing closer to the “End Times.” No one knows the hour or day, but we as believers in the Bible, recognize the warning signs. ARE YOU READY? 

It is time for us all to make sure of our relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ. Christianity is unique among the world’s religions. The others all require certain behaviors for people to become acceptable to their god. Therefore, they must perform intense labor, or undergo self-denial, or observe certain rituals. BUT none of us can earn a place in heaven, because we can never reach the LORD’s standard of utter perfection and holiness. GOD has provided an entirely different way of salvation. In His wisdom, He reached down to us by sending His SON.

Jesus came to live a perfect life and then, by dying on the cross, paid the penalty our sin deserved. WHY DID GOD CHOOSE TO RESCUE US? The reason was not because we deserved it, but because of His great love and mercy. Instead of punishing us for our sins, God poured out His wrath on His son JESUS, thereby satisfying divine justice. Now all who believe in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross are forgiven and accepted as children of God. 

Becoming a Christian doesn’t require working or pleading for the heavenly Father’s acceptance. Our salvation comes through repentance of sin and faith in JESUS CHRIST, God’s only begotten son, who went to the cross to die in our place, thereby paying our sin debt in full. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST? Choosing to trust Him is the most important decision you will ever make. After this life is over, all people will have to give an account to God for their life. There will be no condemnation for those who have received the Savior, but for anyone who has rejected HIM, the outcome will be eternal separation from GOD.

We pray that you will choose Christ this day! Joshua 24:14-15.