It’s that time of year when we sing Christmas carols, and our hearts turn to the amazing eternal gift of God’s son sent to Bethlehem’s manger to redeem all who will receive and believe on His name.

This year, instead of singing the Twelve Days of Christmas, let’s expand it to include The 365 Days of Christmas (plus one more during Leap Year.)

Similarly, we look back over our year to thank Him for many things. We look forward like Moses and say, “”If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here,” Wonderfully if we ask Him, His presence does go with us! In fact, Hebrews 13:5, promises “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The truth is, instead of Him going with us, we seek to find His path and follow closely after Him. We had a need, and God sent His only son to be The Way Home to all who receive His gift to join His eternal family. This is the perfect time of year to remember that.

I love mission trips, taking the Good News to those who seldom hear it. Those trips have taken me to South America for 3.5 months in 1980, to Israel nine different times since 1984, and to the Philippines six times starting in 2007. Each time, we take funds, love, messages, and service, but we receive so much more in gratitude, life connections, and seeing precious lives changed forever.

2026 will soon be here. Ask the Lord what new thing He has tucked inside of it for you—how He may strengthen and use you in the coming year. As we partner with Him, resources are multiplied and limitations fall away. He works tirelessly and sends us forth with His words as instruments of His love. We are ambassadors representing the greatest authority anywhere to make Him known. Enjoy the process!

Winter and holidays are also a great time to read. Check my delorestopliff.com under the Books tab to find and choose my titles. You might especially enjoy The Christmas Tree Wars and The Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel: Adventures, Wit, and Wisdom – half memoir and half travelogue of nine lengthy trips to Israel over 41 years.