As I’ve been reading the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth during my devotional time this season, the theme of family keeps rising to the surface. The more I sit with these passages, the more I’m reminded that the Bible is, at its heart, a story of God’s family. From Abraham, to Isaac, to King David, to Jesus, and to those who are adopted into Jesus’ family by faith in Him, the Bible traces a lineage that shows God working through generations to bring hope and redemption into the world.

Even Jesus’ birth is filled with family connections. Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, knew he was born to make ready the way of the Lord. Their relatives, Mary and Joseph, were a young couple learning to trust God together as they welcomed God’s Son, who would change everything. In this way, Christmas begins with families uniting to say “yes” to God.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, the theme of family continued. He gathered people to Himself and formed a new kind of family, the faith-adopted sons and daughters of God. Jesus refers to the “least of these” (even the homeless, sinners, and destitute) as His brothers and sisters. He invites all of those upon whom God’s favor rests, regardless of our past, into a restored relationship with Him.

This message resonates deeply with the work we do at the Rescue Mission. Every day, we meet men and women whose family stories have been marked by pain, separation, and loss. Addiction, homelessness, and trauma often fracture relationships. Yet through God’s grace, we see families rebuilt. We see parents reunited with children. We see sons and daughters restored to their loved ones. We see people discover their identity as beloved members of God’s family.

Our New Life Program and our emergency services are not just about meals, shelter, or recovery — they are about helping people become the healthy, whole individuals God desires them to be. As they heal, they are able to return to work, rebuild trust, and reconnect with people they love. (As Elizabeth Martin shares in her life story in this newsletter). (As Jonathan Miller shares in his life story in this newsletter).

During this Christmas season, many of us long to be close to family. That desire is a reminder that God created us for connection, belonging, and love. Thank you for helping us extend that same gift to those who feel far from family today. Your generosity helps create a place where people can experience the hope of Christ and the joy of being welcomed into a stable home where they can become part of God’s eternal family and, through God’s grace, rebuild family relationships here on Earth.

Merry Christmas,

Chris D. Croswhite
Executive Director