Friday, December 19, 2008

Christmas Letter

Beloved Friends & Family,

Merry Christmas! Our prayer is that this letter finds you well and surrounded by those you love.

Who could have imagined what God would have in store for us in 2008? We were excited to welcome our first baby – anticipating all that a new bundle of joy would add to our lives. In March, we learned of complications with our pregnancy and on April 19, we delivered our baby girl, Chloe Faith.

We have been changed forever because of Chloe Faith. We are grateful for the short time we had with her, although we wish it could have been longer. We are amazed by the impact her little life has had on us, our relationships, and our perspective on life. Such tiny little feet left a huge imprint on our lives. We are the proud parents of our little girl.

For years I have wanted to send a Christmas letter, but always talked myself out of it. This was going to be the year – we could share about the new addition to our family. Even though our holiday is much different than we planned, we are sending our first Christmas letter because we are celebrating the birth of a precious baby. Chloe Faith and a baby born over 2,000 years ago: Jesus Christ. Without Him we don’t know how we could have made it through this year. He has been our strength and comfort in unfathomable circumstances. He has provided His peace in the midst of our intense grief. He has even given us joy to replace our mourning. He has surrounded us with friends (old & new) that have walked with us, prayed for us, held us up when we couldn’t stand on our own and hugged us to remind us we were not alone. There are no words to describe how much your support and encouragement meant to us this year. We are forever grateful.
We are holding on to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We don’t know what our future holds, but we are more certain than ever of the One who holds our future. We are safe and secure in His plan for our family.

Although our Christmas is different than we planned – our hearts are full of hope, and even joy, in the midst of our sadness. We have experienced a peace that passes all understanding – something deeper than we have ever experienced. It would have been nice to get to this place in our relationships without the pain – but that isn’t possible. It is through brokenness that we are made whole. We know that our daughter is restored in Heaven. She is having fun with Grandma Carmen and Jesus until we are all together again.

This Christmas we have much to celebrate – including the gift of two special babies. We pray that the story of the birth of our daughter and more importantly, the birth of Jesus Christ, will touch your lives this year in new and powerful ways. And that your Christmas and New Year will include the peace, hope, love and joy of the season.

Blessings,
Jose & Kirsten

14 comments:

Emily said...

Thank you! That is the most beautiful, perfect Christmas letter I have received yet. :) I am thanking God for Chloe Faith, Miller Grace, and the Savior of so many others this Christmas. Merry Christmas to you, sweet mama!

Karin said...

I am glad you decided to go ahead and write your Christmas letter this year. You did a wonderful job! I have always wanted to write one too and thought that this would be the year. I haven't done it yet, but we'll see.. Know that Chloe Faith has touched may lives including ours. I hope you guys have a wonderful Christmas!

boltefamily said...

I will also be celebrating the life of Chloe Faith this Christmas. I think of you so often and pray for you more! :-)

Love you!

Kristy

So Blessed said...

Praying for you as went approach the blessed celebration of our Savior's birth. Thank God for His wonderful gift...the greatest gift ever given...the one that will allow us to spend eternity with Him and with those we love who have gone before us.

Corie said...

Celebrating with you. The birth of Chirst is so different this year. More really...more awesome! Merry Christmas.

Kenzie said...

Merry Christmas dear girl! I pray that y'all enjoyed a beautiful day celebrating the Savior's birth. I know that you are missing baby Chloe so much, and yet you are so thankful.

Love you and praying for sweet blessings in 2009,
Kenzie

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Thank you for your letter, thank you more for sharing your sweet girl Chloe Faith! Praying for blessings for you this year!!
love you,
Kim

Erica said...

What a beautiful letter. What a perfect verse to use. Everyone keeps reminding us of Jeremiah 29:11. For Christmas a friend sent me a ball that says, "You may miss me but I am spending christmas with jesus this year." We so tried to concentrate on that this holiday season.

boltefamily said...

Praying for you and wondering how things are going in your neck of the woods?!

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Checking in on you - would love an update when you can. Know that I am praying for your 2009 to bring you everything your heart desires!!
With love,
Kim

 The Morris Family said...

Just checking in on ya, are you doing OK? I know ....its just so hard but keep leaning on the only One who can get us through this!!
Cindy (Joel's mommy)

Corie said...

Just stopping by to say hello. Thinking of you often. Praying for you.

boltefamily said...

Thinking of you!

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

okay now Kirsten....I thought I was bad....now time for an update please:)
Thinking of you!
Kim