Happy New Year! The new year has arrived! A new year brings new goals, new aspirations, and new hopes. It is a time when we can look back on God’s blessings and focus on the future and God’s plans for us. While we cannot know what the new year will bring, we can find hope in God’s word and maintain a positive outlook that things will be better than ever in this coming year. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) As you begin this new year, plan ahead and let the Lord determine your steps. May these next fifty-two weeks be your best yet! Wishing you the happiest new year!

It’s Christmas time! A time to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends. As we prepare our hearts and wait for the coming of Jesus into the world, let us remember the real meaning of Christmas. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) Like the shepherds and the angels, let us rejoice and give glory to God for the birth of His son. “To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11) As you gather with your families this Christmas, may you enjoy this good news of great joy. Merry Christmas!

“Thanksgiving is a very important holiday. Ours was the first country in the world to make a national holiday to give thanks.” – Linus in Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving. In this season of gratitude, Linus reminds us how important it is to give thanks. We are blessed as a nation to have a national holiday to give thanks to God for all things. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34) As we gather with our families for Thanksgiving, let us remember to thank God for the many blessings we receive.