I love getting Christmas cards, especially ones with family pictures or a trip a family wanted to highlight. Its just a neat little window into that moment–a moment that was special to them. And then for them to want to share that with you, it is meaningful. My family has done a few iterations by this point. Most of them have become quite familiar to many. It is usually one of three things. Either a fall portrait, a Santa picture, or something cute concerning the kids. Regardless, it is our way of sending a little thanks for you being who you are in our life.
One of my daughters adding labels to Christmas cards
“We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints. Your faith and love have arisen from the hope laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard about in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” –Colossians 1:3-6 NET
The apostle Paul is known for giving thanks for the congregations that he had the privilege of sharing together in the gospel. Their faith spoke to his heart and informed his ministry. He was grateful for how he saw Christ in the many people who had labored before him and with him. He saw Jesus in them and he gave thanks for their faith.
I want to say to you who may be reading this that I am thankful for you; for how you let me see Jesus in you. There’s a lot of people who have labored alongside me and I with you. And this Christmas season, while being on the heels of a new year, it’s important for me to tell you ‘thank you’. My family and I are grateful to Jesus Christ when we pray for you because your faith has spoken to us, too. We have watched many of you grow in faith, being ever sanctified for the glory of God. Bless you and may you continue to grow in the grace and favor of the Lord Jesus Christ.
–Pastor Whit