As Christians we always have an occasion to give thanks. The apostle Paul exhorts us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” So as Christmas approaches, don’t let it pass by without spending many moments giving thanks to God for sending his Son Jesus. Last week’s passage in John 1 reminded us of this unfathomable truth: God became a man. Amazing. Jesus coming to earth should fuel our hearts with gratitude. In Jesus, the hopeless were given unshakeable Hope. The spiritually poor were made rich. The blind received sight. The light of the world has come! Let us give thanks.

In addition to our thankfulness for Jesus, this season affords us a chance to look back and give thanks for the year that is nearly complete. What are you thanking God for as you remember 2022? Spend some time today giving thanks in all circumstances- for how you saw God at work in the amazing and the heartbreaking events of this past year.

On this mid-December morning, I want to express my gratitude for you, the people of Hope Fellowship. My family and I have been here just over three months, and during that time you have welcomed us, loved us, and made us feel part of the Hope family. It has been a privilege to be your lead pastor thus far, and I am excited to see what God is going to do at Hope in 2023. 

In Christ,

Pastor Eric