12/25/2025
'Tis the season....to have
hope and to give grace.
Whatever your background, current situation, or beliefs,
there's always hope to be found and grace to be given.
Here's a quick story:
Have you ever seen a stray dog wandering alongside the road?
Recently, an older beagle mix was bouncing along from one side of the road to the other, nose to the ground, ears flapping from side to side. She was skinny, hungry, and very thirsty. No collar. No sign of ownership. She seemed lost but was not giving up. She would've kept wandering had she not been scooped up into a pair of loving arms. She wagged her tail when called, happy and hopeful, despite her fatigue and condition. She was brought home, cleaned up, and nurtured. She was offered unconditional love, warmth and care. She was given a collar and a name. She got a second chance. She was on the receiving side of grace
that cold but sunny day.
Have you ever felt like you were wandering or lost?
Hopefully, you've never felt hopeless.
In our home at Christmastime, we reflect on the gift of grace that we have found in Jesus Christ. With the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree and the smell of cinnamon and orange, there's something special about choosing to believe in a truth that we are always loved and cherished. We belong. He knows our names. We know that when we are wandering or feel lost, He is always there as our good Shepherd to scoop us up into His loving arms and care for us no matter how tired we are. As a family, we recognize that His care doesn't always mean that life is easy. Like the sweet beagle, now named Abby Grace, we sometimes have to keep our nose to the ground, too, plodding along, always hopeful and happy in believing that grace has been given and can be offered by us to others just the same.
We hope this story is a reminder to you that you belong and
that the true meaning of Christmas can be found all year long.
To you and yours, from all of us,
we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, hopeful holiday season.
Love,
Ben, Essie, Savannah, and Austin
Photo credits: Savannah Cade, Olympic National Park, July 2025