Merry Christmas! What an absolute blessing to be able to take a few days away from the turmoil and stress of our lives and our world to enjoy the joyous season that is Christmas. Let us never forget the reason for the season, the amazing miracle … the virgin birth of Jesus!

Jesus came to us as an infant child, as helpless as we all are at that point in our lives. He came to us not in the palaces of Rome but in a simple barn, surrounded by lowly animals. His birth alone prompts us to cherish all life from conception to natural death, and his nurturing demonstrates the absolute unique importance of a family: mother, father and child united in marriage. And he came at a time of great turmoil with oppressive government forces mandating their pagan values.

We live in a similar time with a world plagued by war, secular paganism pervading our culture and oppressive government forces redefining our fundamental institutions and values. But through it all we have an abiding hope. That baby wrapped in swaddling cloths would escape the wrath of those who felt threatened by him, protected by a mother and a father. He would live a most amazing life, ultimately giving it up for us and victoriously rising again to reign forever and ever. For 2000 years the eternal truth of his Gospel has transformed lives, cultures and nations. May it continue to be so for such a time as this!

All of us at MFI wish you and your family a most joyous Merry Christmas!