Luke 2:10-14: “And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."

If you can believe it, Christmas is here! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and the excitement is certainly palpable. In my family the anticipation of Santa Claus’ upcoming visit has the grandkids trying their hardest to be on their best behavior (not always successfully but they’re trying!). And it’s always fun to see friends and neighbors around town for the jolliest time of the year. 

Christmas in Missouri is like nowhere else. While it’s going to be a chilly one, it looks like a white Christmas could be very possible this year. And the festivities around our state all month long are the perfect way to get in the spirit and get the kids geared up for Santa Claus’ trip down their chimneys. From the Jaycees Christmas parade in Jefferson City, to the festivities that take place almost nightly down Main Street in St. Charles, to the beautiful nativity scenes at churches across our district, Missourians have been preparing for Christmas for weeks. It’s almost hard to believe it is here. 

With all that being said, it is easy to get caught up in the craziness that so often accompanies the Christmas season. The decorating, parties, family gatherings, cookie baking, visits to Santa, and Christmas shopping are all lots of fun, but they can sometimes get overwhelming. I hope you’ll join me in slowing down this weekend to remember the true reason for the season: the birth of our Lord. Jesus was born into the most humble beginnings imaginable, and laid in a manger that animals would normally eat from because there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn. These humble beginnings can serve as a wonderful reminder that Christmas is not about gifts or decorations, but hope and gratitude. Two things I have a great deal of moving into the next year. 

Christmas is one of the most joyous days of the year and one I always look forward to spending with my family. After a bit of a crazy 2022, I hope you get a chance to do the same with friends and loved ones. We have so much to be grateful for in this country, our freedom being one of the most important. And we’ve been afforded this freedom because our military signs up to protect it. Many of them will be missing Christmas with their own families this year, so please join me in praying during this holy season for their safety and their families who are sacrificing for us all.

On behalf of my family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas!