Fellow Republicans and citizens who are not but probably should be, thank you for joining with me as we greet people during this season with the words “Merry Christmas.”

This year, we all know people who are dealing with sorrow and trouble, who are detached from loved ones or who are lonely, or who merely feel “out of sorts.” These people do not need politics and so I offer none; they need the warm embrace of people who love them, not for who they are but for who He is.

The He I refer to is the He who is the reason for the season. But this person is not just the baby laying in a manger surrounded by family and wise friends. He is the Lion of Judah, mighty to save, mighty to provide sanctuary from loneliness and the sorrows of this world, mighty to love, mighty to die on a cross for you and me. He is my savior, Jesus Christ.

I know that this message is being delivered to people who do not recognize Him and who probably feel that I have gone beyond my bounds in even writing this message. It is my fervent prayer for you that you meet Him and, in any event, even if you don’t meet Him that you receive the blessings of God during this most holy time and thereafter throughout 2019. May His peace become your peace. May His victory on the cross become your victory. May you be touched and uplifted not only by Him but also by those He has appointed to represent Him on this earth and in your life. In other words, my prayer for you is that you have a true “Merry Christmas.” Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.