John,

 

The holiday season is upon us, and I just wanted to reach out and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Christmas is always a joyous time in Northeast Wisconsin, and this year is no exception.

 

It’s been a tough year, and although we might not be having the big, loud, and merry holiday parties and dinners that normally mark the runup to Christmas, I have no doubt that our families, values, communities, and faith will sustain us.

 

Christmas is a celebration of faith and family; a time for reflection on the things in our life that matter the most. During this time of year, I always remember those who are spending the holidays away from their families serving our country and fighting for our freedoms.

 

Spending the holidays away from your home and your loved ones is one of the toughest parts of serving in our Armed Forces, and I’m incredibly grateful for those who are making that sacrifice this Christmas.

 

There’s been a lot of sacrifice and tragedy throughout our country this year, and the Christmas season is a good opportunity to think about our blessings and the people that matter the most in our lives.

 

Before I go, I wanted to leave you with a Bible verse that I think reflects the true spirit of the season.

 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” - Ephesians 2:8

 

Thank you for reading, and God bless you.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

 

Mike Gallagher