I love being a Christian. Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas are such joyful times in otherwise dreary days. In the
midst of barren trees, grey skies, and soggy fields, we make time to remember the unchanging God who gives us every
good and perfect gift. I was reminded about how many good gifts our nation has been given when I traveled to Chile.
In the poorest neighborhood of Santiago, every house was surrounded by 12-foot walls capped with razor wire. My
home has a tiny fence in the backyard that would not keep anyone out. And we usually remember to lock our doors. It
is not just that we have the luck of the draw or a happy fate; we have God to thank. So even while we have fears for the
future, sins in the past, and evil in the present, God has not changed! The King of Righteousness sits on the throne,
ruling over this sinful world. And the fruit of His righteousness will be peace. So in everything give thanks; for this is
the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —Pastor James Crampton
