JOHN!, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I hope you and your family are enjoying the time together during this special season where we can focus on what matters most. For me that is trying to focus on God, family, friends, and country, in that order.
For Christmas, I love to think of this verse that predicts Jesus birth written over 700 years before Jesus was born. Isaiah writes, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Handel's Messiah is based on this verse. For a great rendition of the song fr om the Sydney Opera House, please click here.
After sharing it with my family, our daughter, Charity, indicated that she sang this song in the choir at Liberty University. April and I are so thankful for each of the children and how they are growing up so nicely.
I wanted to write to let you know that I am so thankful to be able to call you a friend, and I want you to know I will always remember the support and encouragement that you have given to us.
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With regard to our country, I have been thinking about that George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Night in 1776. The conditions were frigid as Continental Army went on to attack the Hessians, many soldiers walking through the snow without shoes. 
The National Park Service wrote that, "In a bold move, Washington moves his troops into New Jersey on Christmas night. The patriots then surprise a force of German troops fighting for Britain at Trenton on December 26. They achieve a similar victory over British troops at Princeton on January 3, reviving hopes that the war just might be winnable. The army then encamps for the winter at Morristown, New Jersey."
This risky move was a turning point in the war that led to our victory. Our fight for freedom in our country is still ongoing today.
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We have the most free country in the entire world, and the US is a beacon of light to the world of what real freedom can allow people to accomplish. Even so, many would argue that our country is headed in the wrong direction, and we need to stand up to preserve our freedoms.
At this time, I think a quote from President Ford, the first President that I remember seeing on the news, is worth noting and telling to the next generation. He said that, "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have."
It's an honor to partner with you as we fight not only for our own country, but for everyone in the world to be able to see what freedom can really look like.
May God bless you and your family during this wonderful season.
Sincerely,
Neil
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