Celebrating Christmas and the New Year close together brings a contrast to my mind. I enjoy the mix of traditions and looking ahead with hope.
What are some of your Christmas traditions? Ours are typical, and likely mirror some of yours. We listen to carols, share a big meal and enjoy generous snacks throughout the day. We watch at least one Christmas movie — “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is a favorite. We play board games and usually complete a thousand-piece puzzle. This year, as is often the case, one of the games was the “pickle gift” to the family.
Recently, we’ve adopted activities that have quickly become new traditions, like traveling to Wisconsin. Michael has lived near Madison for ten years, and Bethany has been in Green Bay for three. As she likes to host Christmas, we happily take the trip. (In this photo, we’re in front of one of the three lighthouses on Lake Winnebago that we visited.)
As I returned to work last week, I’m still thinking about that mix of tradition and looking ahead. A significant part of my work in 2026 will focus on celebrating Cru’s 75th anniversary. We hope to show how today’s ministry is built on a rich history.
I’m managing projects that will complement our fall celebration. Throughout the year, we plan to report several short stories each month to show what Cru’s varied ministries are doing now. Alongside these, we’re preparing retrospective updates showing how Cru staff members found innovative ways to share the gospel over the years. We plan to include “The Four Spiritual Laws” booklet, “JESUS®” film translations, Andre Kole’s illusions, and Josh McDowell’s apologetics books among others.
Then, this fall, we plan to coordinate with Cru’s campus ministry to invite people to pray. The campus ministry usually does a 40-day prayer project to start the new school year. We’ll add prayer information for more Cru ministries to set up a 75-day plan.
As 2026 starts, I’m grateful for your partnership and prayers. Please pray for wisdom for me and communications professionals on Cru’s varied teams as we plan how to share the gospel and disciple believers. I wish you all the best for this new year.
Sincerely in Christ, — Mark