This week I am writing this email as I prepare to share this Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family. At the same time my house is decorated for Christmas… yes, we are “those” people. Our house has been decorated for Christmas since before my birthday earlier in the month.

So, with Christmas all around me, it is not hard to be thinking of Jesus. And today I was thinking about the name of Jesus. 

This has been a tough year for me. Now, to be fair, there has been a lot of joyful times, but, at the same time, it has been a tough year. 

On at least two occasions, my body has reminded me that I am LATE into my 40’s… in fact as I write this, my right arm is still in pain from a disc golf game I play with my boys — back in July. 

In addition to physical pain, there has been heartache, suffering, and betrayals. On top of this, my friends have been suffering as well.