Dear Friend,

Like many of you, I wear many hats in life. It is an absolute blessing to do so, and my life is richer for it. Unavoidably, however, there are times when wearing one hat creates a limitation in another.

Jumping into December with social events, holiday cards, gift lists, Board meetings, kids cookie exchanges, and fourth quarter projections, I found myself trying to “make Christmas happen” for those I love and the things I care about. And with that comes a profound yet humble reminder of my limitations. It's for that very reason that God sent his precious Son to do for me what I can not do — make Christmas happen.

Christ came into this world to offer healing of the brokenness we cannot fix; to give joy where there is emptiness that no Amazon gift can fill; and to bring hope even in the most desperate of times and situations. Quite simply, only Jesus can make Christmas happen — and what freedom we have in that!

The women and men we serve are trying to make things happen every day for those they love with poverty’s enormous challenges set against them. They cannot make the rains come when drought destroys their family crops; they cannot change the value of their precious earned savings when their country’s currency goes into hyperinflation; and oftentimes they cannot bring about the peace they yearn for as governments and leaders pursue personal agendas over the common good.

During the holiday season, we are reminded that we cannot do this work alone. And for that we are grateful. Because in bumping up against our limitations, we experience God’s blessing through His provision — through partners like you. Thank you for being God’s provision and walking alongside the churches and communities where we seek to bring about the flourishing of the body and spirit that He desires to give.

This Christmas, I pray you experience the abundant joy, peace, and hope that God has gifted us through His most precious Son.