Christmas Letter 2025

Dear Friends,

Once again, for me, Christmas has come quickly.  Shopping and events are mostly behind me, but sadly, I have not paused to truly reflect on our reason for celebration.  Sure, it is part of our church services and we may watch something on TV that reminds us that Jesus is the entire reason for this hurried hustle and bustle.  But have I paused and spent time with him in gratitude, in humility, in seeking his guidance?  No.

I will say, that this letter-writing tradition of now 34 years, at least gives me – or makes me have - the opportunity to do that.  To pause.  To research.  To reflect. To go down a rabbit hole and back out again.  To find the message that I should share with my friends this season.  To consider my priorities for the next year.

My letter usually starts with a life update.  I will tell you, this year has been tough if I have to be honest, but there is also good.  I’m still the Director of Marketing for a bank based here. I’m also still renovating buildings, hoping to have a second restaurant open in one of my buildings after one closed, and I will tell you that journey has maximized my time and stress this year.  I pray that these projects get on course and the pressure and balance become a healthier level for me.

Through this, however, I decided to get a puppy.  I know…puppies are a lot of work, I seemed to have forgotten about that.  But after having to put a dog to sleep and then not having that sweet companion, it was hard to not pursue those puppy photos popping up in my social media feed.  It would have been even harder not coming home with little three-pound Lucas after the first meeting, so I decided right then to get him.  Lucas is a great companion, maybe the cutest dog ever (just saying), and he definitely keeps me entertained and active.

So…Christmas.  What does it mean?  Is it about the stable, the manger, the heavenly hosts?  Sure, that’s part of it.  Is it about faith, the journey, the ability for God to utilize young and old, rich and poor, all parts of life for his good?  Sure.

But more than anything, it is about the purpose of Christmas.  The purpose of sending Jesus to Earth, as a baby dependent on others and later as a humble teacher, minister really.  He was able to convince a few chosen individuals to leave everything and follow him.  No empty promises.  No payment or deals.  He motivated thousands to believe in him and to accept his teachings.  No vote.  No arm twisting.  Just simple teachings, always seeking God’s guidance, always showing characteristics of a humble servant, always being kind and respectful.  He had the strength and power to not be crucified, but he chose to go through the pain in order to be a sacrifice for all of mankind.  Pretty selfless.

He was a king unlike historic or current kings of our world.  One in particular comes to mind. I heard a sermon recently by a young pastor that started with a story of Louis XIV (also known as Louis the Great) of France.  His reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest of any monarch in history.  In regards to characteristics of King Louis, what stood out to me was: 1)He enforced uniformity of religion under the Catholic Church; if you were Protestant, he allowed soldiers to invade your home, mistreat you in any way, damage or steal your possessions.  2)He raised taxes and could do so without consent, but did so only to the “unprivileged” class. 3)He had big plans of decreasing imports and increasing exports. 4)He regularly made war.  It was said that warfare defined Louis’s foreign policy, impelled by his personal ambition of glory and power. 5)He increased his control of the French aristocracy and transformed his palace into an entertainment capital for aristocratic Europe, boasting the best theater, opera, music, gambling, sex and hunting.

King Louis XIV truly thought he was great and in fact, called himself “the Great.” 

Jesus was the opposite of all these things.  And he expected us to be the opposite of these things.

King Louis XIV made sure his funeral was the most magnificent funeral to ever occur in Europe.  His body was in a golden coffin and orders had been given to make sure the cathedral was dark, with the only light being a small candle set above his coffin, to dramatize his greatness.  However, when Bishop Massilon began to speak, he reached down and snuffed out the candle and said, “Only God is great.”

Sometimes in today’s world, I want someone to snuff out our candle and remind us that only God is great.

What does this mean?  It is simply a reminder – in this crazy world and in our sometimes self-focused lives, let’s remember that Christmas is the time to celebrate the non-deserving gift of a true savior, a true leader.  God loved us that much.  Jesus came for the forgiveness of our sins, to bring us closer to God, to remind us in all things – leadership included – our focus should be on God’s will.

When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, at a time when there was great division within the church, he reminded us of characteristics that Jesus wants to see in us.  I wrote them out as bullets, because I think it serves as a good list for the new year.  (Romans 12: 9-21)

1. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 

2.   Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

3.   Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 

4.   Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

5.   Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

6.   Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 

7.   Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 

8.   Live in harmony with one another.

9.   Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. 

10.  Do not be conceited.

11.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 

12.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

13.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 

14.  On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.

15.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Mary knew the importance of being humble and serving God.  As she stated, “He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones, but lifted up the humble.” (Luke 1:52)

God has a plan for us, for our families, for our friends, for our country.  I pray that all of us seek his will and remember that at Christmas, his greatest plan was fulfilled with the birth of his son, Jesus – Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

Merry Christmas,

Jennifer