Christmas Letter 2024

Dear Friends,

For 33 years straight, I have sent a Christmas Letter – originally to friends and family in mailed cards, and now simply posted online for the world to read if they choose. In recent years, this letter was posted just shy a day or two before Christmas; but with the state of events this year, I originally wrote this letter just a few days after the election. I paused in order to reflect more, calm my frustrations and now have made another attempt at this letter.

This letter is always a quick summary of my year, but focuses on key events, with my attempt of relating it to God’s Word and the Christmas story. With 33 letters, that is not always easy, but I always pray before writing it and hope that God utilizes this letter to inspire others. I fear this year’s letter – for many – will do the opposite, but I sincerely hope it doesn’t and I press on knowing I must always be open and honest in this letter.

We are taught to avoid discussions of certain items like politics; it causes too much disharmony which is true…and most of us are tired of hearing about it. But to avoid it in my annual tell-all Christmas letter would be a disservice to whatever this letter has become to you (and me) over the years. So I am skipping any personal updates, and focusing on the event at the end of the year – the election.

I am not a Democrat or a liberal or far left. I have probably considered myself more Republican in the past, but I always chose to vote for the character and issues vs. party. I agree and disagree with issues on both sides and don’t feel that some of those issues are black and white.

I am also a Christian, and a proud American. I believe that we should pray for our country, in good times and bad, and be thankful for the freedoms and blessings that we have in the United States. I believe each of us have our own right to choose who we want to vote for and respectfully, should not hear how that choice is terrible in social media feeds, jokes by people we know, or signs of support stolen from our yards (mine was stolen twice, but third one remained due to Harold-Spence-like engineering.).

This year’s election seemed more important than any other election in my lifetime and I prayed for God’s guidance. I also researched and yes, I watched (and value) the news. Many will say how terrible the news is and it frustrates me, because where would we be without journalists – many who risk their lives – doing their job to provide us with factual news vs. getting all our news on social media?

I also considered Jesus. If Jesus was on this Earth, who would He vote for?

I couldn’t ignore the characteristics we have been taught, and that Jesus so often served as an example. Characteristics such as humility, compassion, kindness, good character. Commandments such as thou shalt not lie; all commandments being just as important as the other. Or His views on money – such as not being able to serve both God and money.

For me, I could not ignore the actions of Donald Trump, or actions of government representatives who one minute said that Trump’s actions were not presidential and the next minute, supported him for sake of party and personal gain. I became more fearful of his words and actions, of the MAGA movement, of Jan. 6th being called a day of love, and I continue to be concerned with his choices of key team members.

Take a breath, keep reading. I’m surrounding by Trump supporters who I love, who I know greatly disagree with these views. That’s o.k., this is just my story, my journey – I am not saying who is right and who is wrong. And there is a Christmas message.

I voted for Harris, obviously. While I’ve never had a political sign for a president in my yard, I chose to put up a small Harris sign, because I wanted to show support for someone who is willing to run against this man and movement, and not just keep my vote or support in secret.

I prayed that God’s will would be done with this election…and that while I hoped that was Harris, I understood that God’s will has also been to use our choices to teach us a lesson in attempts to draw us closer to Him.

Our country’s choice has clearly been made. And while my view is in the minority, I fear, much like the Old Testament when God’s people wanted a king, we may now have one. But I also realize things need to change in our country - on both sides of the aisle. And most importantly, I know God is in control and that he has a plan.

What bothers me is that in this process…this movement really, is that it seemed to undermine the reality that Christians are represented in both parties. I hated the division that it caused, and still causes. I was made to feel like I was less of a Christian for choosing a candidate who supported something that a party didn’t believe in, such as abortion. At the same time, I struggled to understand how fellow Christians could vote for a leader who does not seem to represent our values in regards to character and integrity. Even sermons crossed a line for me, stating vote for who you want to, but the news is terrible, the country is on the wrong track and here are the issues, the parties views and basically, your decision should be clear.

Sigh. I know. How does this relate to the Christmas story?

It has to do with Christmas, because God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He loves us – all of us – and truly wants what is best for us and our country. He brought Jesus to this earth to teach us compassion, kindness, and to love our neighbors. Jesus came for the forgiveness of sins, for those who repent, and follow him. He chooses humble servants to do some of his greatest works. Look at Moses who doubted his ability to speak and lead the people or some of Jesus’s disciples who were simply fishermen. More importantly, look at Mary who gave birth to Jesus and in her song in Luke states, “He has been mindful of the humble state of this servant” and later stated, “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble.” In the most humbling settings of a stable, a manger, and shepherds by night – God brought us a savior – with no flashing Jesus lights - but instead a star for guidance. Well, and yes, some pretty amazing angels that were sharing the good news.

Let’s not lose sight of that simplicity…and that peace. Jesus, after all, is the Prince of Peace. He alone is worthy of our worship. He alone will guide our way through challenges and he alone has the power to make anything great. I am certain that he doesn’t want division for us.

This verse may be the most fitting for this letter:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end.” Isaiah 9: 6-7

I know so many of us did not agree on the candidates and so many other items in regards to politics. That’s o.k. This letter is…just my story and my thoughts of how to make sense of this year’s activities, a reminder that God’s children are on both sides of the aisle, and to relate this to Christmas in some way. The government is on his shoulders and I will trust in him. And I love my family and friends regardless of their vote, and hope you will do the same for yours.

It will soon be Christmas. Let’s focus on celebrating the true light of the world and the joy of his birth.

I’m leaving some additional verses that resonated with me for this story.

Merry Christmas,

Jennifer

Psalm 25:9: "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

Luke 14:11: "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Proverbs 11:2: "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Colossians 3:12-13: "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.”

I Corinthians 13: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Matthew 12:25: “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”