No matter what our personal situations may be, each Christmas we are reminded just how deeply and completely God loves us. His wondrous plan of salvation—first set in motion in the Garden of Eden soon after creation, preserved during the great Flood through Shem in the shelter of the Ark, and promised to Abraham and David and proclaimed by the prophets through the following ages—was physically and miraculously manifested in the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ some two millennia ago. God’s plan for salvation was finally culminated 33 years later when His perfect Son sacrificed Himself in our place, victoriously conquered sin and death, and is alive forevermore. Indeed, all who have accepted God’s gift of salvation through belief in Christ have much to be thankful for!

We at the Institute for Creation Research are also reminded of the many blessings He has bestowed upon our ministry. Now entering our fifth decade, God has marvelously provided for ICR’s needs through like-minded believers who recognize the pivotal importance of our work in defense of the faith and who have generously given of their resources to ensure our ministry continues. ICR has experienced many remarkable evidences of God’s special provision this past year, and while space does not allow a full report, I believe our readers will be blessed by a brief account of the few which follow.

• Just as ICR began promoting its recently expanded line of Science Education Essentials teaching curriculum supplements, a long-time ICR supporter approached us with an offer to help. Their particular interest in our science education ministry made it possible to send a complete five-course set to 100 specially selected Christian schools, teachers, and administrators. Not only were the sets purchased by the supporter at full retail value, but they also paid the shipping costs!

• As ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics was preparing for its second year of graduate studies, the Pella Corporation unexpectedly contacted us about establishing a scholarship program in honor of Thomas A. Commes. Mr. Commes was retiring from their board after many years of service and, unbeknownst to us, was a fan of ICR’s work. The first grants from the newly established Thomas A. Commes/Pella Corporation Scholarship Fund were awarded this past fall to two worthy students, and thanks to the generosity of the Pella Corporation, scholarships will be available for the next four years.

• The first printing of ICR’s newest scientific resource, The Design and Complexity of the Cell, is being marvelously funded by a generous grant from The Believer’s Foundation. Complete with full-color illustrations and a hardback cover, this high quality book was not an inexpensive venture. Thanks to our friends at The Believer’s Foundation, this wonderful resource will soon be available, demonstrating the perfect accuracy of the biblical record that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) by God.

Many similar stories could be shared, but I believe these exemplify how ICR uses the support we receive to uncover and teach the truth of Christ’s magnificent creation. Your gifts this Christmas season will be an especially sweet blessing to us as we make plans for the coming year. New research projects, new online video and educational programs, and many more apologetic tools are in store to equip the saints for God’s work. We invite you to join us—together we can accomplish much for the cause of Christ, our Creator, Savior, Redeemer, and coming King.

* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research.

Cite this article: Morris IV, H. 2011. Christmas Gratitude. Acts & Facts. 40 (12): 21.