"But when the proper time had fully come God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to the Law to purchase the freedom of those who were subject to the Law that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us." Galatians 4:4,5

Christmas. A time of great hope, a wonderful reminder that God's promises will be fulfilled. But God almost always requires us to wait for fulfillment, something unheard of in our society of instant gratification. Although the coming of the Messiah had been prophesied many times in the Old Testament, very few recognized it when it happened not only because so much time had passed but because God fulfilled it in an unexpected way.

For us about 10 years have passed since God promised Cora's healing. During that time we have had to keep our focus on that promise and He has been faithful to increase our confidence in it's fulfillment even though her physical condition has deteriorated. As we wrote this letter we became aware that God has been removing confidence in the help of man and attempts by us to manipulate circumstances. He is getting us ready to see how He will work in ways we never expected.

We want to encourage you this Christmas to consider promises God has placed in your hearts that have grown dim because of delays or disappointments. Let the birth of Jesus remind you He will make everything beautiful in His time (Eccl. 3:11). Remember, "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" (Habakkuk 2:3 Living Bible)