-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

December 21, 2009

A Christmas Message

This has been a tumultuous year in Washington, DC and across the United States, bringing many challenges for individuals, families, and businesses. Now that the House has adjourned for 2009, I look forward to being home and reflecting on the past year. Looking back on all that has happened, I am reminded of the foundation on which our great nation was built and find hope and guidance for the future.

Our country is truly blessed to have such extraordinary citizens, who continuously reach out with compassion to help their fellow brothers and sisters in need during these difficult times. Dana and I have experienced such blessings, and we would like to thank you for your overwhelming support and prayers. As you know, August brought a diagnosis of prostate cancer. September brought two great things: a new grandson and healing.  Dana and I want you to know how very much we appreciated every thought, note, card, and prayer and were humbled by your outpouring of support.  You truly lifted us up. And today, I am blessed to be cancer-free and a cancer survivor.

Christmas is also a time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for.  I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve the people of the 19th Congressional District in Congress and for the prayers of so many of you who sustain our service by your faith. I am grateful for the soldiers and their families who will spend this season apart so my family may gather and worship in freedom. We honor their sacrifice, ask God to watch over them and their families, and pray for their safe return.

As you may know, I recently returned from a trip to Afghanistan to visit our troops and do an on-the-ground assessment of the status there. During that trip I was flying by helicopter to a Forward Operations Base. As we were flying low over a very rural, remote area, I saw several shepherds tending their flocks. In that moment, as we saw these shepherds literally in the middle of nowhere, the second chapter of Luke came to mind. Luke 2:8-11 says:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the    Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone upon them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’”

Flying over these shepherds who were tending their flocks--shepherds who have very little, if any, contact with the outside world--I realized the significance of God revealing the birth of His son to those shepherds in the fields. The news of this joyful birth was so good, so significant that God wanted everyone to know, even those of the lowliest positions in the most remote areas. In fact, the scripture goes as far as to say, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”

As we prepare to celebrate this “good news of great joy,” I hope you will join us in reflecting on the birth of the Savior. I would ask that you continue to pray for those who lead this country, beginning with the President.  We need wisdom and guidance that can come only from God. 

Dana and I send you our best wishes for the holidays. We hope that your Christmas will be blessed with family and loved ones.  May God bless you and may He bless the United States of America.

Randy’s Roundup will return on January 4, 2010. Until then, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.