Merry Christmas, Everyone
A beloved Christmas poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow beautifully captures the spirit of the season:
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their familiar carols play,
And the sweet words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Like Longfellow, I am uplifted by the sound of children singing and the joyous melodies of carols. The air is filled with excitement and happiness. However, amidst the Christmas cheer, there is also a sadness. It is difficult not to feel sorrow, even on a day like today, when I think of the women and men impacted by abortion, and their unborn children who will never experience the light of a Christmas morning.
And in my despair, I lowered my head:
"There seems to be no peace on earth," I said,
"For hatred is strong and it tarnishes the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Yet, we know that this sadness is temporary. Christmas is a reminder that the King of Kings has been born, that heaven and earth have come together, and that righteousness and peace have embraced. Injustice, wrongdoing, and wickedness will not prevail. While we look forward to the second coming of our Messiah, we can find solace in the fact that death has been conquered. Peace has arrived and continues to touch broken lives, homes, and communities through the transformative power of Jesus' love.
As Longfellow beautifully expressed:
Then the bells rang out louder and deeper:
"God is alive, He does not sleep;
The wrongs will fade, the right will prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."
Rick, I pray that God blesses you and your family with joy in the life-affirming work you are supporting. May you be overwhelmed with the knowledge that "light has shone into the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it." May the unwavering presence of Christ fill your heart and home as you celebrate His precious gifts.
Thank you for the countless ways in which you share this light with your community and for standing up for women, men, and their unborn children.
Despite the challenges we have faced over the past year, more than 70,000 babies are celebrating their first Christmas today because of your incredible support.
Your life is, just as the poem describes:
A voice, a chime, a sublime chant,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Merry Christmas,
Roland
Roland C. Warren
President & CEO
