Holmes Christmas Greetings, 2025

2025 Newsletter

JESUS HAD TO HAVE A BODY

Hebrews 10:5 fascinatingly states of Jesus: “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.”

We’ve just enjoyed celebrating Christmas—an event in which we remember the remarkable coming of God into the world as a human baby. And why so? In order that He might live a perfectly righteous life as one who was fully human, utterly without moral defect, as a substitute for many. This was in anticipation of His dread work for wretched sinners such as we all are—making sacrificial propitiation for sin at Calvary.

To do this, He had to have a body. As the apostle Peter recorded in 1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.” Think of that—the eternal Son of God came from heaven to earth to do such a wonderful work of love and grace for people as wicked and messed-up as we are!

Moving into 2026, it’s a somber opportunity to self reflect and ask yourself whether you have turned from sin in repentance and are trusting in Jesus as your Savior and obediently following Him as Lord. Remember, it was in His body on the cross that He became the substitute for sinners in order to bring them into a right relationship with God—and He did it for people like you and me!

View our family newsletter in pictures HERE

NEWS UPDATE AT A GLANCE

Greetings again from the Holmes family! Matthew finished his studies at college, graduated cum laude, and now serves as a TV news producer at a studio in nearby Spartanburg. Sue also graduated with her second degree, a Master of Arts from Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, summa cum laude. Sue continues to help Jim in various editing and book-production related responsibilities. Jim serves Shepherd Press in a new role as executive director of ministry and business development as well as maintaining the work of Great Writing for other clients. Travels have included California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and a brief (one-day) visit to London. We enjoyed having our yard cleared of over thirty trees and look forward to a less leaf-filled garden this coming year! We send love and best wishes to you for 2026.

Featured Image: Family Picture, December 25, 2025