Dear John,

As Thanksgiving approaches in a few days, I hope this message finds you well and getting ready to enjoy some meaningful time with family and friends.

This is a welcome respite for our team as this fall has been exceptionally busy for FRC. We've been hard at work advancing what is good and true -- and pushing back against unrelenting attacks on the biblical values that are important to families.

When we look at the news, so often it seems that our powerful opponents on the Left have made headway in their mission to silence and marginalize our biblically grounded views.

So, what can we do?

"...In me you may have peace," Jesus said in John 16:33. "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

In a few short weeks, we will celebrate the birth of our Savior. As we enter this season of joy, we do so with a cultural backdrop of growing moral and spiritual darkness. But the good news is that against this backdrop the light of the truth can shine through our lives, lighting the way for others.

This Christmas, as we hold forth the light of truth, let's practice radical hope and generosity. I want to challenge you to do three things over the next 30 days:

1) Pray daily for our nation and elected leaders, your church and community, and FRC.

2) Serve a neighbor or friend through a practical act of kindness.

3) Consider how you can share the hope of the gospel with that person.

For instance, if you're looking for someone in need of kindness, consider writing your member of Congress.

Perhaps mention in your letter if you differ on some foundational issue or a recent vote... but be sure to say that, regardless, you are praying for him or her to receive wisdom from God.

When adversaries are arrayed against us, we can respond in an opposite spirit. Perhaps what radical activists need is a response of radical, unconditional love.

Proverbs 25:21-22 explains the heart of this idea: "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you."

I am eager to hear back from you about how God uses this challenge in your life.

This week, our nation stops to express gratitude -- most of all, to our Creator and Sustainer.

All of us at FRC are also thankful every day for you and your stand with us, in prayer and in your financial support. You are surely in our prayers.

Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.