Christmas Message from Jonathan Reckford

December 18, 2009

Greetings,

We are in a time of increasingly rapid change and uncertainty. In our home that means kids growing up way too fast. My family tradition was that Santa brought stockings, and the gifts under the tree came from family. Ashley’s tradition was that Santa delivered the “big gift,” so we carefully discussed it and, of course, followed her tradition. This year, we attempted, as I think many families have, to talk to our children about cutting back on what we spend on ourselves for Christmas and instead using that money to help others.

Lily, our youngest, liked the idea of being more generous and wasn’t concerned. Her response: “That’s OK. I’ll just ask Santa.” Blissfully naïve or demonstrating shrewd negotiating acumen? We may never know. Only nine and she’s mastered the “both/and” approach to life.

Too many children, however, have to do without much more than presents. This Christmas, many families are experiencing great anxiety, wondering what the new year will bring—agonizing over how their lives have been upended by natural and economic disasters.

As the world around us changes quickly, and as the economy has shuffled the dreams of many, we find that the traditions of this season can bring us comfort. In the rhythm of celebration, we are reminded that God’s love never changes. We have the assurance that no matter what the circumstances and no matter how many years pass, God is faithful and true. Here at Habitat for Humanity, we can be certain that God will always be at the center of this ministry. We can give thanks that God uses our offerings as a tangible expression of his amazing love for every family we serve.

This year, the need has never been greater, but there has also never been a greater opportunity for Habitat to impact the world. Thanks to you, a record 61,000 families had a newer, better place to live last year. If we stop to consider that behind every one of those thousands of families is a story of hope and new beginnings, we have much to celebrate this Christmas.

I know that many of you work long hours and give of yourselves in a variety of ways to make life better for others. I am humbled to serve with you, and I am more grateful than ever to each one of you who shares your time, treasure and talent to make the world a little more the way Jesus intended when he prayed, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

May the blessings of the Christmas story told through the ages bring joy to you again this year as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas,

Jonathan

Jonathan T.M. Reckford
CEO, Habitat for Humanity International