This Christmas season, I am filled with joy and gratitude as I reflect on the true reason we celebrate — the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
His birth forever changed the world. And later, his sacrifice forever changed our lives. I’m truly thankful for the Christmas miracle that took place in the stable that night.
My heart is also full of gratitude for you and all our faithful sponsors. I want you to know that your generosity does not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ — for taking the hope that was given to us that first Christmas night and sharing it with others. Because of your continued faithfulness, children and families around the world who are living in poverty have hope for a brighter future.
This hope is found in the eyes of a mother who now has medicine to keep her sick child alive. It can be seen in the eyes of a father who is learning to grow nutritious food so he can feed his family. And it’s there in the eyes of a young girl who now gets to go to school and study so she can be a leader in her community.
These life-changing victories are signs of families overcoming the struggles of poverty and injustice.
And that wouldn’t be possible without God’s grace and your faithful giving. I hope you know how much your generosity is blessing and changing the lives of the poor. Every time you open your heart to the hurting, you’re sharing the hope of Christmas — the hope that we find in Jesus Christ.
Thank you once again for partnering with us to do his good work. I hope you find ways to continue to spread joy to those around you this holiday season. And, please remember to continue to pray with us for people in need around the world.
From my family to yours, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year full of blessings.
World Vision U.S. President Rich Stearns is the author of The Hole In Our Gospel and Unfinished. Follow him at twitter.com/richstearns.
