– One of the most common prayers in Scripture is simply, “How long, oh Lord?” People crying out, “Lord, are You listening? How long until You act?” Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe you’re there right now. Habakkuk was there too. “How long, oh Lord?” And God’s reply was, “Watch, Habakkuk. Be astounded at what I will do, for I am doing something in your day you wouldn’t even believe if someone had told you.”

Mary and I were in Peru last month to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Christian and Missionary Alliance there. What a celebration it was. Here’s what really struck us. A hundred years ago, three missionaries responded to God’s call and went to Peru to share the love of Jesus. It was slow going. I imagine there were many days they wondered, “Lord, are You listening? Are You doing anything? How long until we see fruit from our labors?”

Fast forward a century, those three workers would be astounded at what God has done. There are now 85 Alliance churches in Lima—the capital city alone—over 450 across Peru, and more than a 100,000 Alliance believers. And the Peruvian Alliance is now sending out dozens of their own international workers to other countries. Those three individuals were faithful to God’s call, and God was faithful to do His work through them. Even when they couldn’t see it, He was working.

Isaiah 49:23 promises, “Those who wait for me will never be put to shame.” The Lord keeps His promises. Wait and be astounded. Christmas is just weeks away, and wherever you find yourself right now, whatever prayers you’ve been waiting for God to answer, remember this: Christmas is proof that the Lord keeps His promises. Before Jesus came, God’s people waited 400 years in silence—400. And then God spoke. His word became flesh and entered our world as Savior. And if God has given us His own Son, won’t He also give us everything else we need?

So, as I wish you a Merry Christmas, I also wish you a renewed awareness that our God is faithful. He keeps His promises. Stepping into this new year, may we be people who watch and wait for the Lord’s sure answers to our prayers. As we stay faithful to His call, He is working in ways we can’t even begin to imagine. The Lord keeps His promises. Wait like so many before us have waited and be astounded by His goodness, His power. There is nothing too hard for Him.

One request—as we prepare our hearts for this Christmas season, we long for all the world to see Jesus. I want to invite you to share our two-minute Christmas Offering video. We would love to see all of our Alliance family join in this incredible story of bringing the peace of Jesus to people who have yet to encounter Him. And before I go, can I bless you? From Isaiah chapter 30: “For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.” From Mary and me, Merry Christmas. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you.

– “For to us, a child is born. To us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This is our eternal hope, the good news of the gospel, our peace. Yet in our world today, peace feels rare. Many live in chaos, fear, uncertainty. But we thank God that peace is not just an idea. It’s a person—Jesus.

And all of Jesus is what the world is longing for. He’s Counselor to the afraid, everlasting in the face of chaos, mighty over oppression, and as the Prince of Peace, He restores what is broken. That’s why The Alliance is committed to bringing all of Jesus to all peoples. The need is great and urgent. And so, our international workers are sharing His peace in the hardest-to-reach corners of the world where Jesus has never been known.

Because everyone everywhere deserves the chance to choose Jesus and receive His peace. As we come to the end of 2025, the focus of our Alliance Christmas Offering is “All of Jesus.” As you rejoice in the good news that only He can bring, I want to invite you to give generously and sacrificially so that all of Jesus is shared with all people. Will you help transform communities with the gift of the gospel this Christmas? Thank you for giving, for praying, and for partnering with King Jesus, our Prince of Peace.