This time of year always causes me to step back and reflect on all of my blessings. Beyond what I deserve, I'm blessed. I'm especially thankful for those I've had the privilege of serving in this past year.
I count you as one of those I'm both blessed by -- and thankful for. Truly, your friendship is a gift.
When I consider the significance of a gift, I'm reminded that the world celebrates this season by giving and receiving gifts. Why? Because gifts are the perfect expression of love and appreciation.
It's no accident that gifts are a big part of Christmas. Christmas started as a gift -- God's gift to you and me -- his Son, Jesus Christ. One of my favorite Christmas carols poetically articulates God's gift to us in these verses --
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in.
In the noisy din of this season, I pray you don't miss the wondrous gift that comes to those who are still and humble enough to receive it -- the gift of Jesus Christ. He is the true Prince of Peace, the gift from God given for you and for me -- the reason for Christmas. God loves and appreciates you -- and He has demonstrated this by sending His Son to bring you near to Him once again.
Warmest wishes to you this season.
Merry Christmas,
Bill Cox and team
