“… and I will give you rest.”
Dear Friends,
When you hear, “Be still,” what comes to mind? Perhaps it is a mother, hushing a squirming child during a Sunday morning church service. Maybe it is the peaceful yet powerful command found in the Book of Psalms, “Be still and know that I am God.” Or perhaps it is a familiar whisper to your soul in those too-often moments of overwhelming and even crippling stress and anxiety.
As wonderful as the Christmas season is—or should be—being still can be especially impossible. With commitments galore, we can easily find ourselves exhausted, anything but calm, and weary, even with the most fun and joyful of celebrations. But the truth is, it’s not supposed to be this way.
One of my favorite promises in Scripture, from the Book of Matthew, is, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus came to usher in a new way of life. Not one free of hardships or challenges, but one where we find stillness in him. And so, this Christmas, I encourage—even challenge—you to be still. Be intentional of time to nourish and care for your soul, as you reflect on the wonder and promise of Immanuel, God with us.
Merry Christmas,
Kristin E. Parks
Executive Director, Show Hope
This Christmas, we have strategically planned to raise $500,000 for the continuing impact of our work, yet we cannot reach that goal without you. Today, will you prayerfully consider a gift to our Gifts of Hope campaign? We need you.
