A Christmas Letter to College Students

Written by Staff Minister Michael HennigDear college students,It’s just a matter of time before we reach Christmas of 2020, and I know this school year for you has been a challenge. Especially if this was your first year. The reason I know this is because I was able to visit with some of you and you told me how things were going. Yet despite the world of virtual classes and learning how to social distance in a dorm room, a smile still existed, even if it was under a mask. And while your patience was put to the test in many ways, I know that your faith was too. So I’m thankful that you sought opportunities to stay grounded. You stayed connected to family and friends. You even took the time to find a campus ministry that offered fellowship, worship and fed your soul with God’s Word. As you close the semester with finals and papers to write, let me encourage you once more. Especially since you do not know what the 2nd Semester will bring, come January. You are also unaware of the challenges you may face during your Christmas, I mean winter break. What doubts and fears will you face late into the evening during your time off? What friends will not return with you to school because they’ve changed their course or will maybe “unfriend you” because of something you said? Maybe a loved one shares a diagnosis you would have never expected. And despite any of this, whether the positive or the adverse, one thing is for sure. The Lord’s plan for you will never turn out to be something that will be unbearable. God gives you a larger picture at the end of Romans 12:2 where the Apostle Paul writes “Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Your heavenly Father does not have plans to ruin your life but rather His vision for you is “good and pleasing and perfect.” Whether you’ve been challenged lately or are a continually optimistic person no matter the circumstances, take heart this Christmas dear college student, knowing that the Christ-child was born with you in mind. Merry Christmas!