Holmes Christmas Greetings, 2024
2024 Newsletter
AN UNSPEAKABLY WONDERFUL GIFT
John 3:16 states “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” The gift of Jesus to be the savior of sinners is the centerpiece of history—in Isaiah’s words, “For unto us, a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Or as hymn writer Charles Wesley recorded, “born to save the sons of earth; born to give them second birth.” If we are Christians, Christ’s ones, it is only because of our relationship to him by faith, adopted into his family, by means of the new birth (“Ye must be born again”) and with the evidence of repentance (a change of mind and ethical behavior) and faith—that is, trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. But what about people who do not believe—who do not have an active and resting faith—in him? The Bible states that only those who live in relation to him who are saved will go to heaven. Just a few verses later (3:31), these sobering words are written: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” As we move into 2025 and potentially challenging future days, please ask yourself: “Have I come to evident repentance and certain faith in Jesus, the Son of God?”
View our family newsletter in pictures HERE
NEWS UPDATE AT A GLANCE
Greetings again from the Holmes family! Matthew continues his studies at college and will soon finish up his degree. He has enjoyed success in various projects and has shifted his major to journalism. Sue helps Jim in various editing and related book-production responsibilities as well as continuing her MA study program–with the end now in sight. Jim continues to serve Shepherd Press on a part-time basis as well as numerous other clients. Travels have included California, Ohio, the northeast, and Michigan, and New York, too. In August, to celebrate Matthew’s 21st as well as our citizenship, we flew to southern California to visit the Reagan Library and Museum for a day, and in December Jim and Sue enjoyed a day visit to New York to visit with our cousins, James and Frith Robb.
We send love and best wishes to you for 2025.
Featured Image: Family Picture, December 25, 2024
