A Christmas Letter from Mark

Here we are again. It's Christmas time in Deep East Texas. The lights are all glowing as you drive by at night. There's Christmas music coming across the airwaves. There are holiday specials on TV. Local churches are prepping for special Christmas services. As I sit here and reflect on the holiday season, I realize how thankful I am to be celebrating Christmas right here in Deep East Texas.

Some of you reading this may be thinking, "Oh boy...another sappy Christmas write-up..." But it's really so much more than that. This is our chance to celebrate how we want to; whether it's with family, with friends, or solo.

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Christmas is a time that truly should be the time of peace on earth. I know that sometimes - oftentimes - that gets lost in the craziness that goes with the holidays. In the midst of trying to get everything planned, purchased, wrapped, cooked, taken care of, etc., we forget that this holiday is truly an awesome time. And I'm not pointing the finger at anyone specific forgetting that, because I get caught up in all the craziness myself. Generally, I catch myself and have to take the chance to catch my breath and reset (multiple times, if I'm honest).

So, here I am, preparing for Christmas 2025, as I'm sure many of you are doing as well. I'm getting ready to spend time with those that matter the most. I'll be trying to make this the best Christmas yet, as I do every year. I hope that you all do the same.

Merry Christmas, everyone.