“Over the last couple of weeks, the heat and humidity has really stepped up several notches, which is draining on everyone, but also makes it harder to feel Christmassy. That and the fact that only a handful of people here will celebrate or even be aware of Christmas. But the lack of pomp and hype has its advantages too- stripping Christmas back to what it’s really about for us and those we will share with. Please be praying for opportunities to talk with people about the true meaning of our celebrations. Pray that as we also come under extra scrutiny and questioning, God would open up opportunities through this to share His Hope. Pray for boldness for all of us, that we would not be quiet out of fear or worry over making tensions worse, but that his joy, love, truth and grace would be seen and heard in both our words and actions this season.”