Day 29 - John Nix - Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Orchard Family!

I pray that you are surrounded by loved ones and experiencing the grace of God all around you. What an incredible thing it is today, not only to be able to gather in-person or online, but just to think about what this day truly means.

Today I hope that there are plenty of people around you, plenty of wrapping paper around you, and plenty of food around you, but in all of that let's not forget what's most important. Today reminds us that God loves you so much that He gave himself. Jesus in a mysterious way took to himself a body. But it was that way that would bring us salvation. It was his life, burial, and resurrection that changes everything.

Kiddos, I want you to know, today it's a lot of fun. There's a lot of things to look at and celebrate, but nothing is worth celebrating more than Jesus. I pray that you learn to love him now and all the days of your life. Mom and Dad, take some time. Open the Bible and look at Luke, Chapter 2. Tell them why this day is special. Tell them about what you remember about what you learned when you were their age.

In all of this, let's take the Lord's day and make sure that we celebrate him well. Yes, it is a day that we celebrate his birth, but it is also a day that we celebrate the fact that he has given us life. And that second birth makes all the difference.

Orchard family you are dearly loved. Remember who you are. Wherever you are Be Family, Live With Purpose, and Make Disciples. May God's grace be upon you as we enter into the New Year.