Dear People of God at Calvary,

Grace, mercy, and peace be with you all, and Merry Christmas to you! Once again, I cannot thank you enough for the love and generosity that you showed to me and to my unit this Christmas. Thank you for all 320 stockings that you sent! It is truly like the love of God in Christ, there is nothing I can do to repay you, there is no way to properly thank you. We are all deeply grateful, and it is so wonderful to see people who were once suspect of “the church” to be now actively involved in worship and bible study here in this place. Some have even asked about how to find a Lutheran Congregation when we return from the desert.

We will have another Baptism here on New Year’s Day. The soldier who will be baptized has become a dear friend of mine. She is one who constantly supports the chapel service and she also really encourages our younger soldiers in their struggles. She is looking to find a church for herself and her family when she returns. We can continue to keep in Prayer all of sisters & Brothers in Christ who are on a new journey of Faith.

I wasn’t able to get to my giant Christmas Stocking yesterday, the day just got busy. Today I took some time to dive into it! I was overcome with Sadness and with Joy! To read your notes, to be cheered of news from you made me miss you and your gracious presence even more. It also brought me so much joy to know that I have been remembered in prayer. Again, please know that I continue to keep you in prayer as well. You are a source of encouragement beyond my words.

I pray that the presence of Christ fills you all this Season. I know I mention it often, but it is encouraging to see Christ born and rising in this place. Even (or Especially) in the places that seem God-Forsaken, Christ continues to come and to rise. I suppose that’s part of what this Season’s story is about. The world had no room for God among it, but God found a way to come anyhow. And he came not with vengeance, but with gentleness. I pray that God continues to come into your lives with Gentleness…especially when it seems that you have no more room.

You remain close to me. I wish you Peace and Joy this Christmas.

With deepest Gratitude,

Pastor Kerstin

Statement of Our Faith