Dear ones,
2020 has been bleak at times, and definitely sometimes dark. And in these shorter winter days, the darkness seems more obvious. Thus, this passage in Isaiah 9:2 really stands out, where Jesus’ birth is foretold long before that first Christmas, reading “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Then in Luke 1:78-79, another prophesy shortly before Jesus’ birth states “because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” This “great light” and “visiting sunrise” who guides in the way of peace is Jesus, who himself says in John 8 that He is the “light of the world”. Jesus says, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Our prayer for each one is that you would seek this light, and that He would dispel the darkness.
Carl: Carl is now in his 22nd year of pastoring Grace Church of Santa Rosa. He shares the following thoughts:
Sitting distraught in the midst of the utterly devastated city of Jerusalem, Isaiah said,
Remember my affliction and my wanderings,
the wormwood and the gall!
My soul continually remembers it
and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:19-26)
Now that the salvation of the Lord has come in Jesus Christ, we who believe in Him are in an even better place to call to mind the mercies of the Lord, even in the midst of Covid 19, political division, fires, droughts, hurricanes, . . . . May the Lord be your portion and hope this year and always.
Kerstin: As I was getting ready this morning, this line from an old hymn came to mind. “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” It’s true! Everything else shifts and changes (our plans changed SO MUCH this year!), but not God, and not His precious promises in the Bible. As we all continue to grapple with changes to routine and limitations in physical interactions, I am so thankful that God holds me tightly in His care. I keep painting, illustrating, and praying for opportunities to do it more. God also blessed us with a place for our family to go to the mountains, and we’ve spent some time fixing it up. I love to spend time with our growing family (so excited to gain a son in Paul Bartholow!!!) as well as loving to keep connected with friends. I am so thankful for the daily tender mercy of our God who has shined His light into hearts! For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 I am thinking of that as I see the twinkling lights, candles, and stars up above.
Hanna: Hanna is working for two ambulance companies, one full-time and one part-time. She’s also going to school, taking classes for the nursing program. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and outdoor activities. Hanna is on her way to Disney World for her 23rd birthday. Her thoughts from the past year are how thankful she is for her family and loved ones and realizing how temporary our home here on earth is and that we are not to be comfortable but content. She wants to share Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Maggie: It’s been a big year for Maggie. She’s graduating Chico State University with her BA degree in communications design with an emphasis on graphic design. She got engaged this past September to Paul Bartholow and they are currently planning a wedding despite all the shifting difficulties. Her favorite Bible verses are Proverbs 3:5-6, which states: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” All of her life, Maggie has found great comfort and encouragement in these verses as they remind her that the Lord has a perfect plan for her that she may not always understand, but He is a good God who makes no mistakes. Great joy is found when we whole-heartedly trust in Him!
Lily: Lily is a junior in high school, while also taking college classes concurrently. She enjoys being outside, arranging flowers, as well as creating crazy creations (you can see her dress made out of flowers and greenery on Instagram at fletchers_floristry). Lily has become one of our church pianists and plays so beautifully, with Carl on the guitar and Kerstin playing viola. Her favorite Bible verses are 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Trey: Now in ninth grade, Trey loves drawing, video games, soccer, dirt biking, surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. He would like to go to Japan. Trey got his braces off, and we all love his smile! He continues to be the joker of the family. His favorite Bible verse is, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
It is our prayer this Christmas that you would trust in the God of all creation, who through Jesus Christ is our perfect peace and the giver of light. Merry Christmas and God’s peace in 2021!
The Fletcher Family
You can keep up with us on Facebook or Instagram. You can see Kerstin’s art at kerstinfletcher.com and artbykasteen.blogspot.com (also under artbykasteen on Facebook and Instagram), and hear Carl’s sermons at gracechurchsr.com.
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