Christmas Blessings/Holly Spate

We received some very special blessings from some of our Cross The World family over the holidays and wanted to share them with you:

“We can’t begin to tell the blessings your crosses have given so many people that we meet everywhere we go. They are a wonderful gift that touch people’s hearts and inspire them to share their testimonies with others. Keep the crosses going on, as your friend’s dying wish is being fulfilled – ‘Cross The World’.” Nick & Pam – PA

“I can’t tell you how much your crosses will help spread the Word! I sent them to Operation Christmas Child!” Candice – CA

“How thoughtful! The crosses you make have been a great source of connection with Faith Community Nurses and those who receive them, often with smiles and sometimes tears so we can offer support. Christmas Blessings to you.” Annette – MN

“Thank you so much for crosses to share with our leaders across Presbyterian Homes. They are such a special gift – especially knowing they were handmade by you with some help from our Heartwood residents. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!” Darcy & Courtney, Presbyterian Homes – MN

And, we thank Holly Spate, author of the message on our cross hangtag, for penning this lovely Christmas message:

All Is Bright

by Holly Spate

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. Proverbs 4:18

As you head into another holiday season filled with the hustle and bustle this time of year can bring, take a moment to pause, to contemplate and to breathe deeply. Find a quiet, comfortable spot to simply stop, stand still and focus. Whether you come with a full heart or a heart that’s falling to pieces, fall on your knees and take a moment to rest and remember.

Remember this past years blessings, provisions and protections. Remember moments of happiness and the growth that came through moments of sadness. Remember the struggles in the valleys and the breathtaking moments on the mountaintops. Remember the miracles and the blessings of fresh starts and new mercies. Remember the transformations that came from lessons learned, the beauty that blossomed from brokenness, and the honor that was gained from humility.

Remember the day you put your trust in Christ…the day you decided to accept the gift of salvation He freely offers to all who call upon His great name. The day you turned from self and turned to Him. That day He broke your chains, forgave your sins, and took your hand. His sacrifice washed you afresh…white as the falling snow, cleansing you forever. His unwavering faithfulness tightly wrapped you in the warmth of His beautiful, unconditional love and continues to hold you tight. Every step, every day, every moment…all for you.

Recognize your place in Christ and all it affords you both in this life and for all eternity. Remember what life was like without Him and rejoice because you’ll never have to be without Him again.

Because of the Savior you have been blessed beyond measure. You have an everlasting hope. Even your darkest days are illuminated in the light of His presence. God sent His one and only Son so you could have life, peace, joy, grace, and hope. He stepped out of heaven into the creation He designed to bring the gift of himself, all because of His unconditional and perfect love for you.

The babe in a manger came so all your days would be bright.

So, as you head into another holiday season filled with the hustle and bustle this time of year can bring, take a moment to pause, to contemplate and to breathe deeply. Find a quiet, comfortable spot to simply stop, stand still and focus. Make time to reflect, to give thanks, and to remember. Spend time in His presence and praise Him for the greatest gift that came wrapped in love over 2,000 years ago. A gift that was paid in full for you.

And as you remember and celebrate the true meaning of the season, hold tight to the truth that with Christ all is bright.

With Him, all will always be bright.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Our brother in Christ, Mike from Messiah Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN, traveled with his mission team to Laos with Project Video in 2018 (please click HERE to get more information about Project Video). He forwarded these photos of the happy recipients of our crosses from that trip. Thanks, Mike, for sharing with us.

Mike’s mission team will be leaving for their 2019 Project Video trip the end of this month, visiting with and bringing the Gospel to the Akha people in Thailand and the Bunong people in Cambodia. We ask God to watch over His faithful servants as they travel to these Asian countries and look forward to seeing photos from that trip as well.