Merry Christmas! 

As we gather this year to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the lessons of love he brought to the world, I want to wish each one of you a Merry Christmas. This joyous season is an opportune time to express our gratitude for the love we share with our friends and family and the countless blessings we enjoy. 

This year, I am a thankful for my wife Kristen and our three boys, our wonderful home in central Illinois, and the unbelievable privilege to represent central, west-central, and northern Illinois in Congress. Like many of you, we are blessed to be able to share this Christmas with our family and friends. During the holiday season, however, it is important that we give thanks to those who sacrifice their time without their families and loved ones to protect us, particularly during another year that was challenging for so many. I want to thank our troops, especially those serving overseas far away from their families, who are protecting our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

While this year was an economic challenge for many, I hope each of you takes solace in the blessing of living in the greatest country on earth and the community we share in Illinois. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! I hope you have a holiday filled with joy and family. 

"And so the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" - Luke 2:10-11