Today I received a very special greeting from John David Kudrick, a good friend and a member of our freelance writing team. I was so moved by his eloquent words that I asked him to allow me to share his greeting with you. Take a moment to read his thoughts – it will enrich your celebration of this Christmas season! – Mark Dreistadt
Stories, stories, stories!
Whether it’s a spaceship full of pirates in a fight that will determine the fate of the universe … or a young magician who embraces his destiny and stands alongside dragons, elves, and the like in a battle against a dark legion … or even a US Army first sergeant’s real-life account of the brutal battle to liberate an Iraqi city … my days are filled with stories.
As much as I enjoy reading and working on these stories as an editor, at this time of year, my thoughts turn to another story — one that I believe no human could conjure up with even the wildest imagination. Some call it the Greatest Story Ever Told. Others relegate it to the land of legend and myth.
Whatever you may believe, it’s a story that’s epic in every sense of the word:
A Jewish maiden chosen by the Creator of the universe …
A scandalous pregnancy in a small town of Roman-ruled Israel …
A birth in a manger, with some of the first well-wishers being lowly shepherds from nearby fields …
A baby boy named “Jesus,” who became known as the Christ — the Messiah of the world …
A hurried escape from a murderous tyrant who had no wish to hear of a baby born to be king …
And all the way to a bloody cross, a wondrous resurrection, and the offer of new life to any who would receive this Jesus …
Yeah, it’s epic, from start to finish and beyond — and maybe it does sound pretty far out there. But, for me, it’s a story that only God himself could write. And I’ve staked my life on that.
So amidst all the hustle and bustle of the season, I pray that the story of the baby in the manger would touch your heart anew. May God give you and yours peace and joy during the holidays. Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Praying God’s Richest Blessings for You,
John David Kudrick
Editor / Writer
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
From the Book of Mark, Chapter 10, Verse 45
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